Authorities Complete Investigation of Redding Attorney's Death

REDDING, CT — Investigators did not find evidence suggesting that the death of Redding attorney Gugsa Abraham Dabela was a homicide after he was found with a gunshot wound to the head following a car wreck in April of 2014, according to State's Attorney Stephen J. Sedensky. The criminal investigation into the matter was closed Tuesday, according to Sedensky's announcement.

Dabela was driving home when his car overturned and "the subsequent discharge of a firearm resulted in his death," according to Sedensky. Several law enforcement agencies investigated the death, which was originally ruled a suicide by Redding Police and the Chief Medical Examiner.

In 2015, Dabela's family stated they did not believe the attorney committed suicide, saying the death came under "mysterious circumstances." The family questioned why Dabela's DNA was not found on the trigger of the gun a the scene and why there was no suicidal intention expressed.

Dabela’s family also said that Dabela was excited about an upcoming weekend motorcycle trip and successes with his newly incorporated legal practice.

The NAACP of Connecticut launched a separate investigation into Dabela's death.

"After reviewing all of the evidence and pursuant to my responsibility to investigate and prosecute criminal matters within the Judicial District of Danbury, the evidence does not support a conclusion that Attorney Dabela’s death was a homicide," said Sedensky's announcement. "Accordingly, the criminal investigation into this matter is closed. We again express our sincere condolences to the family of Attorney Dabela on their loss."

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