It’s a mystery that’s stymied investigators in East Hartford, Connecticut, for more than seven years – who killed disabled Air Force veteran Dominic Marino?
What’s Known
Here’s what local police do know. On Nov. 18, 2018, an intruder kicked in the front door of Marino’s house along Suffolk Drive, subdued him by taping up his wrist and ankles, and shot him in the chest, leaving him to die.
Police were notified when Vinny, a brother who lived with Marino, 30, arrived home and reported the incident.
After a medical examiner ruled Marino’s death a homicide, detectives began investigating the case. However, seven years later, with few leads, they’re not much further along in the investigation than when they started in November 2018.
Investigators believe at least one person, if not two, broke into the veteran’s home. Marino was asleep in his bedroom at the time. There were signs of a struggle as he likely fought with the assailants. The house had also been ransacked. Perhaps the suspect or suspects were searching for something? However, valuables such as computers, phones, and other expensive items weren’t stolen.
The neighborhood where Marino lived is considered safe and quiet. Burglaries and violence against residents are rare occurrences.
Mark Marino, Dominic’s father, believes a neighbor must have heard something going on during the break-in, because Zoe, Marino’s German shepherd, would have started barking. Police said the dog was unharmed.
“It’s just a pure rage that I have at this point in my life,” Mark Marino told Fox 61 News in Hartford. “My whole family is suffering. The sorrow will probably never go away.”
In fact, Dominic had just visited his dad days before the murder, hugging him for the last time before driving home, according to The Deck, a true crime podcast.
Dedicated Airman
By age 12, Marino felt an urge to serve the country. He was a sports-loving kid, athletic, competitive, and a devout Yankees fan. Always thirsting for excitement, the military appealed to Marino’s adventurous side.
In 2006, after turning 18, Marino signed up with the Air Force. He served overseas in Guam, Kuwait, South Korea, Japan, Turkey, and Germany. His Air Force career proved successful as Marino earned Airman of the Quarter honors five times and was named Airman of the Year once.
He reluctantly left the military due to chronic knee and shoulder injuries suffered in the Air Force.
“He truly felt a sadness that he couldn’t continue to serve active duty,” his obituary stated.
But Marino continued to give back to his community. He volunteered at soup kitchens and at the Newington VA Clinic.
“He used what skills he had and volunteered,” his dad said.
Outside of volunteering, he was an avid reader and enjoyed taking his dog on long walks in the woods.
‘Truly a Good Soul’
The brazen murder of a disabled veteran struck the East Hartford community hard. In fact, the ripples were felt throughout Connecticut. On the one-year anniversary of the homicide, Gov. Ned Lamont offered a $50,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in Marino’s murder.
Meanwhile, Marino’s family has appealed to residents in East Hartford to please come forward if they have any pertinent information.
“The police are obviously outmanned and need your help, need the public’s help to try to solve my son’s case,” Mark Marino said.
However, several years later, family members and friends are left waiting for any break in the case.
“He would light up a room when he came in,” family members wrote in his obituary. “He was truly a good soul and had lots to be proud of.”
Marino had a deep affection for kids and loved goofing around with nieces and nephews.
“He had a special bond with kids because deep down inside he was still one himself. He was iron on the outside and a softy on the inside,” his obit states.
Marino’s final resting place is at the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown.
Anyone with information regarding Marino’s case can call the East Hartford Police Department (860) 291-7640 or the Connecticut Cold Case Unit (866) 623-8058. They can also send an email to Det. Frank Napolitano: [email protected].
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