Finally, a Lead in the Marco Paoletta Murder Case

Photos released in roadside shooting
By Zach Lowe 04/23/2008
STAMFORD - Police yesterday released photographs of an unknown person who was with a city man minutes before the man was found shot to death on the road outside the Jewish Community Center in January.

The man in the photos is considered a person of interest in the Jan. 3 shooting of Marco Paoletta Jr., 51, said Capt. Richard Conklin, head of the detective bureau. Police are asking for the public's help in identifying and locating him.

Police found Paoletta's body on Vine Road near Turn of River Middle School, and have said they believe the killer targeted Paoletta and knew he was playing racquetball at the community center.

The photos show the man and Paoletta entering and leaving the Newfield Avenue community center together minutes before the shooting.

Paoletta was shot once in the head. Police have not commented on a motive.

The images are from the community center's security cameras, Conklin said.

About five hours after Paoletta's body was recovered, authorities in Norwalk found his car burning on Christy Street. Tests showed the car had been doused in gasoline or some other accelerant before it was set on fire.

Paoletta, known to his friends as "Chickie," was a lifelong Stamford resident who worked in the credit division of a bank in Bridgeport.

His siblings said they were shocked by his death and could not think of anyone who would harm him.

Police did not recover a weapon and have not commented on what kind of gun the killer used.

The images show a Hispanic man in his 20s between 5 feet, 6 inches and 5 feet, 8 inches tall with long black hair.

- Anyone who recognizes the man is asked to call the police department's tip line at 977-5111.