Crime & Safety
Teen Convicted In 2023 Fatal Stabbing Of Another Teen Gets Prison Term
Dustin Cecarelli, 15, of Northford, was fatally stabbed in a fight outside Tuttle Elementary School by then 15-year-old Jeter Simmons: Court
EAST HAVEN, CT — Jeter Simmons, 17, of East Haven, was sentenced to eight years in prison for the 2023 fatal stabbing of a Northford teen outside an East Haven elementary school, John P. Doyle, Jr., New Haven Judicial District State’s Attorney announced Wednesday.
Jeter's prison term will be suspended after he serves three years, Doyle said, with three years of probation to follow.
Last November, Simmons pleaded guilty in New Haven Superior Court to first-degree manslaughter.
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According to court records, on May 23, 2023, Simmons, fatally stabbed Dustin Cecarelli, 15, of Northford, during a fight outside Tuttle Elementary School.
During the course of their investigation, the East Haven Police Department learned that Simmons was at Tuttle Elementary School with a group of friends when he was approached by Cecarelli and another group of kids.
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After a brief exchange of words between the groups, Cecarelli approached Simmons from behind and began to assault him, Doyle said.
At that time, Simmons produced a knife from his pocket and stabbed the decedent one time in the chest before fleeing, court records show. The fatal stabbing happened outside the school in a courtyard area after school hours. Emergency responders arrived at the Prospect Road school, performed life-saving measures on Cecarelli, who was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital, and later died as a result of the stab wound.
During the sentencing hearing, Simmons accepted responsibility for his actions and apologized to Cecarelli’s family, Doyle said.
Before sentencing Simmons, Judge Harmon said Cecarelli's "family forgave Simmons and said they hoped he would make the best of his life."
Doyle thanked the East Haven Police Department for its investigative efforts, and the East Haven Fire Department who responded to treat Cecarelli, and offered his condolences to Cecarelli's friends and family.
The case was prosecuted by State’s Attorney Doyle and Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Alexander C. Beck.
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