David Morkis Charged with Manslaughter in Waterbury Homicide

Waterbury police have arrested David Morkis, 36, in connection with the homicide of 57-year-old Paul Barillaro, whose death was initially investigated as untimely when he was found near the Brass Mill Center mall on November 23, 2024. Following an investigation, the Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled Barillaro's death a homicide on March 21, 2025. Morkis is charged with first-degree manslaughter, as he and Barillaro were known to each other and had engaged in a physical altercation that led to the victim's death. Morkis was already in custody for unrelated charges when police obtained an arrest warrant. He is scheduled for arraignment on the manslaughter charge. This case highlights a tragic incident that escalated into violence between acquaintances.