New Haven Jury Finds Man Guilty In Brutal Assault: State's Attorney

NEW HAVEN, CT —A New Haven Superior Court jury found Harold Bell, 48, guilty of violently assaulting a domestic violence victim while her 15-year-old daughter was present, according to the state's attorney.

New Haven Judicial District State’s Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr. described the evidence at trial during Bell's trial: Doyle said Bell assaulted the victim in New Haven on July 13, 2022, with her daughter present.

"During the assault, the defendant strangled the victim in a chokehold from behind, shoved the daughter into a wall when she attempted to intervene, and punched the victim three times in the forehead with a closed fist," Doyle said the evidence showed. "The victim received a significant injury to her forehead, which required three sutures and left a permanent scar. Bell was arrested on scene."

Bell was found guilty of risk of injury to a minor, first-degree unlawful restraint, second-degree assault, and disorderly conduct, Doyle said. Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2024 in New Haven Superior Court.

The case was investigated by the New Haven Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Kathleen E. Morgan and Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney David J. Strollo.