Driver charged in fatal April pedestrian crash in Stamford
Public records and a police statement show that a Stamford man has been charged in connection with a crash in April that left a local pedestrian dead. The Stamford Police Department says the driver turned himself in after investigators obtained a warrant charging him with negligent homicide with a motor vehicle and an improper-turn violation.
Police identified the driver as John DeAngelis, 50, of Stamford, and the pedestrian as 66-year-old Evelyn Aponte of Stamford. The collision occurred shortly after 2 p.m. on April 25 at the intersection where Strawberry Hill Avenue meets Colonial Road, according to Sgt. Jeffrey Booth of the Stamford Police Department.
Booth said DeAngelis was operating a 2014 Toyota pickup truck traveling south on Strawberry Hill Avenue when he made a left turn onto Colonial Road. As the vehicle completed the turn, Aponte was crossing Colonial Road headed south and was struck while in a marked crosswalk. Officers found Aponte with serious injuries and she was transported to Stamford Hospital, where she was initially listed in critical condition and later died from her injuries in the early hours the following day.
Investigation and charges
The Crash was examined by members of the department's Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad. Sgt. Booth and Officer Lindsey Yanicky led the investigation, and Yanicky subsequently sought and obtained the warrant that led to the criminal charge, police said.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Driver | John DeAngelis, 50 |
| Victim | Evelyn Aponte, 66 |
| Date & time | April 25, shortly after 2 p.m. |
| Location | Strawberry Hill Avenue at Colonial Road |
| Charges | Negligent homicide with a motor vehicle; improper turn |
| Next court date | Aug. 18 (appearance before a judge) |
What police say happened at the scene
According to the Stamford Police Department, DeAngelis remained at the scene and spoke with responding officers. He was issued a motor-vehicle infraction at the time for failing to yield the right of way to a pedestrian in a crosswalk. Following the investigation by the Collision Analysis and Reconstruction Squad, the department pursued criminal charges.
- DeAngelis turned himself in to police and is currently free on a promise to appear.
- The warrant charging negligent homicide was issued after the collision was reviewed by crash investigators.
- DeAngelis is scheduled to appear before a judge on Aug. 18.
The case underscores ongoing concerns in Stamford and other Connecticut communities about pedestrian safety and driver behavior at intersections. Police collision units typically reconstruct events to determine vehicle paths, speeds and right-of-way observance; those findings inform whether administrative infractions or criminal charges will be sought.
At this stage the charges are allegations, and the Stamford Police Department has not announced additional details about any traffic citations beyond the infraction issued at the scene. Court filings and proceedings that follow will establish the facts underlying the warrant and the prosecution's case.
Public safety officials encourage witnesses or anyone with video or other information about the April 25 crash to contact the Stamford Police Department. Investigations of fatal pedestrian collisions can rely on bystander accounts and footage from nearby homes or businesses to corroborate times, vehicle movements and the sequence of events.
Further updates will be available as court records and police releases are filed.
