Winsted remembers well-known businesswoman found dead Monday night
A well-known business owner in Winstead, Carrie Stetson, was found dead Monday evening, and police say her husband Leon is now in critical condition. The Winchester Police Department said they are investigating this as an isolated domestic violence incident.
On Tuesday morning, community members flooded Railway Cafe with flowers to honor the life of owner Carrie Stetson.
“She’s really part of the fabric of what our town is about… She’s really going to be missed,” said Melissa Bird, of the neighboring American Museum of Tort Law. She said she could call Carrie for anything.
“She 100% is somebody who would just step up if you asked her to,” Bird said. “She was definitely a yes person. Like, ‘what else can I do for the town or for someone else?’”
Neighbors say Carrie was a mother, a small business owner, an animal lover and volunteer, and a giver of her time to all.
Town Manager Paul Harrington says that, in addition to running Railway, she served on the town’s economic development commission, catered events throughout the area, and was part of Women of Winstead, an organization that uplifts women-owned businesses.
“Carrie was one of those residents I wish we had a million of,” Harrington said.
“It’s a really tragic situation,” said Winchester Police Chief Chris Ciuci.
Ciuci said police are investigating the domestic violence incident that led to her death and calling it isolated. Ciuci said there is no threat to the public and no third party they are searching for.
“Carrie Stetson and her family are immersed in our community. They’re pillars of our community. And this is a tremendous loss for the town of Winchester,” Ciuci said.
Harrington says they are working on ways to honor Carrie in the coming weeks.
Winchester Mayor Todd Arcelaschi shared a statement to Facebook in Carrie’s honor as well.
“The Town of Winchester has lost not only a prominent businesswoman who was deeply involved in our community, but also a friend,” Arcelaschi said. “With the loss of Carrie Stetson, our town is diminished by this loss, and Winchester is a darker place tonight. To anyone experiencing domestic violence or living in an abusive relationship, please know that help is available. You do not have to face it alone.”
Winchester and Connecticut State Police say if you have any information, you can reach out to the State Police Major Crime Squad at (800) 203-0004 or the Winchester Police Department at (860) 379-2721.
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