Man Accused Of Attacking Woman With Bat In Trumbull Charged With Murder: Police

TRUMBULL, CT — A Norwalk man has been charged with murder following a "serious assault" reported Monday at a Trumbull apartment complex, according to police.

In an update released Tuesday morning, Police Lt. Brian Falkenstein said Ylli Shtopaku, 45, of Norwalk, was arrested Monday following a domestic-related assault at the Ten-Trumbull apartment complex and later charged with murder following the death of Lida Shape, 70, of Trumbull, as a result of her fatal injuries.

According to Falkenstein, investigators believe Shtopaku specifically targeted Shape as she returned to her home at the complex, located on Oakview Drive, with an acquaintance and was attacked following a brief encounter.

Shtopaku remained at the complex and was immediately arrested by officers, who determined the two were previously relatives who were no longer related due to a divorce in the family several years ago, Falkenstein said.

Officers were initially called to the apartment complex Monday after receiving multiple reports from residents of a man attacking a woman outside the main office building near the entrance, according to Falkenstein.

Officers located a woman who was seriously injured, as well as the suspect who remained at the scene nearby, Falkenstein said.

A preliminary investigation determined Shtopaku had confronted several women whom he knew outside the main entrance. After a brief argument, he retrieved a bat from his vehicle and chased the women, striking one who fell to the ground, according to Falkenstein.

Family members who later arrived at the complex were treated by Trumbull EMS for medical issues not directly related to the initial incident, Falkenstein said.

Shtopaku was charged with murder and is being held on a $3 million bond pending an arraignment in court.

Shtopaku was previously identified as a Monroe resident by police, however they later determined that to be a former address, Falkenstein said.

Police initially reported Monday afternoon officers were responding to a "serious assault" at the apartment complex and noted there was no ongoing threat to the public.

Falkenstein said detectives are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack by interviewing other family members and witnesses, as well as collecting and processing evidence from the complex and the surrounding area.

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Trumbull police at (203) 261-3665.