Public commenters press West Haven leaders for action in Roya Mohammadi investigation

Multiple speakers at the West Haven City Council public comment period on April 13 urged city leaders to take stronger action after what they described as mishandling in the investigation into Roya Mohammadi’s death.

Vanessa Suarez read a prepared statement calling for the firing and decertification of the lead detective assigned to the case, alleging negligence, bias and failure to treat Mohammadi as a domestic‑violence victim. Suarez said the internal affairs investigation had been concluded months earlier but complainants had not received findings and alleged the department’s failures had caused irreparable harm.

Nika Zaresband, who said she lives in New Haven and has been advocating for Roya for three years, told the council she feared disciplinary measures short of termination would not set an adequate standard for future homicide investigations involving gender‑based violence. Both speakers called for policy changes, improved evidence handling and greater transparency.

Mayor Dorinda Bora told speakers she had been informed a copy of the civilian complaint response had been sent in January but was returned undeliverable; she said she texted a staffer to retrieve a copy for the complainant and offered to provide the document or accept an updated address. The mayor did not announce discipline during the meeting.

Council did not take a formal vote on any police discipline or policy changes that evening; the public comments were entered into the record. Speakers said they will continue to press for release of investigation findings and for disciplinary action if warranted.