According to the Danbury PD, in the late 1980s, detectives investigated a series of troubling incidents in the Lake Avenue/Merrimac Street area, including the abduction and rape of female residents. Despite thorough efforts at the time, these cases went cold without resolution.

WRKI and WINE logo
Get our free mobile app

In November 2023, the Danbury Police Department’s Special Victims Unit reopened the investigations after receiving a report from a female victim of abduction and rape from that period. Investigators revisited the cases, re-interviewing individuals identified by the original team and utilizing resources unavailable in the 1980s.

With support from the Danbury State's Attorney for G.A. 3 and the State Police Forensic Laboratory, current investigators were able to identify a suspect: David V. Coffey, born on October 14, 1971, who also lived in the area during the late 1980s.

After presenting the findings of their investigation to the Danbury Superior Court, an arrest warrant was issued for Coffey, charging him with first-degree kidnapping. On October 22, 2024, he was taken into custody by the Danbury Police Department in connection with a 1989 incident involving the abduction and rape of a female resident. Coffey was processed at the police department and held on a court-set bond of $750,000.

UPDATE: Additional information was released by the City of Danbury on Thursday (10/24/24). I received an email from Erin Henry at City Hall that read:

"Quick update to yesterday's cold case arrest. The victim in this case was 11-years-old at the time of the incident. Detectives believe there was an accomplice. Attached please find the original sketch (from 1989) of the second suspect. Again, as these incidents are still being actively investigated, and other arrests are pending, we are asking for people who might know something about these incidents to contact Det. John Basile at 203-797-4668, the Danbury Police Investigative Services Bureau at 203-797-4662, or the anonymous Tips Line at 203-790-TIPS (8477). Anonymous web tips can also be submitted here."

This sketch of the "accomplice" was sent along with the update.

Sketch
Sketch
loading...

The Sinful 6: Connecticut's Most Dangerous Gangs

Your exposure to gangs and gang violence is probably a lot like mine. You see gang stories told on fictional TV shows like "Sons of Anarchy" or in the movies and think, eh not my problem. Not so fast Nutmegger! According to the CT Justice Department gangs are a real problem in the State of Connecticut.

Here are the 6 Most Dangerous Gangs in the Nutmeg State

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

6 of Danbury FCI's Most Famous Prisoners

We recently interviewed officials from Danbury FCI regarding the arrival of their latest notable inmate, Steve Bannon. During our discussion, we explored the theme of celebrity at the federal institution in Hat City and discovered that Bannon is among a series of high-profile individuals who have served time at this facility. Here are six of the most famous prisoners to have ever done time at Danbury FCI.

Gallery Credit: Lou Milano

More From WRKI and WINE