HARTFORD — Detectives have obtained a warrant charging a convicted felon with murder in connection with the death of Sonia Rivera, 48, who was found badly beaten behind 216 Washington St. a year and a half ago.
DNA obtained at the crime scene helped led detectives to Denzil Nurse, 42, who is serving a 30-month prison sentence for burglary. He’ll be transported to Hartford Superior Court, where he’ll be formally charged.
Deputy Chief Brian Foley said Hartford detectives worked not only with the state crime lab, but criminalist Henry C. Lee at the University of New Haven in building their case.
Rivera was found on the ground with her pants down and bleeding from severe head trauma. A brick recovered nearby is believed to be the murder weapon, Foley said. She was found Sept. 27, 2012 and died two days later at Hartford Hospital.