HARTFORD–A retired Hartford firefighter was in court on Wednesday after he shot his cousin during a dispute about home renovations last month.
Donald Brown was charged with assault in the shooting; he initially told police he feared for his life and that he shot Dennis DeMatteo in self-defense, but police say evidence at the crime scene doesn’t support those claims.
DeMatteo was temporarily paralyzed during the shooting due to a spinal cord injury, but he is recovering.
Also, it was revealed in court that a 10-year-old child was in the home at the time of the shooting on Vine Street, but the child wasn’t hurt.
The case was continued until next month, but Brown must stay away from DeMatteo.
