MERIDEN, Conn. — The East Haven woman charged in connection with the roadside death of a Connecticut Department of Transportation worker faced a Meriden judge Monday morning.
Police said 55-year-old Denise Lucibello was driving along the Wharton Brook Connector in Wallingford Friday, when she crossed into the grass past the right shoulder, hitting and killing 26-year-old Andrew DiDomenico.
“He was a wonderful young man, and this is a loss that we’ve never experienced and would never wish it on any other family. And we will do our best to advocate for change, so this doesn’t have to happen to anyone else,” said Melissa Lombardi, DiDomenico's aunt, outside of court Monday.
Lombardi said said her nephew worked for the CT DOT for two and half years. Before that, she said he worked for the city of Meriden, where he grew up alongside his father.
“Andrew was a phenomenal young man. He had tons of friends. He had extended families. He was an avid sports fan. He loved his Patriots, he loved the Celtics and he loved the New York Yankees,” Lombardi said.
DiDomenico’s extended family showed up to Meriden Superior Court Monday as his alleged killer appeared for the first time since the incident.
“We lost our nephew. And we want to see her get charged to the fullest extent of the law,” Lombardi said.
Though State Police set Lucibello’s bond at $1 million, the judge reduced it to $500,000. If she’s able to post that bond, the judge said Lucibello will not be able to drive a motor vehicle.
In court, the bail commissioner explained that Lucibello mentioned she does not work, receives disability payments and has issues with substance use and mental health.
“No matter how the facts flesh out, my client is remorseful. She did not leave the scene. She realizes how serious this is,” said Lucibello’s public defender.
“This is a woman who has multiple repeat offenses and should have never had the opportunity to be behind the wheel to take our Andrew, take his life away,” Lombardi said.
From 2016 to 2018, Lucibello was found guilty numerous times, including once for driving with a suspended license. Now, she's charged with driving under the influence, failure to move over, failure to maintain proper lane, operation of a motor vehicle under suspension and misconduct with a motor vehicle.
Prosecutors expect more charges may come about after the toxicology reports are complete.
In the meantime, DiDomenico’s family said they plan to be at every court appearance.
“We will do everything in his honor going forward,” Lombardi said.
Lombardi said she and her family plan to set up a scholarship fund in DiDomenico’s name, hosting fundraisers on his behalf. They also want to encourage people to follow the Move Over Law, meant to protect workers like DiDomenico.
“He is a Connecticut state employee doing his job. And people need to move over and allow them their space to do that job. So, I would love to see the laws that are already in place be enacted, violators be prosecuted,” Lombardi said.
The judge ordered a mental health evaluation for Lucibello, who is expected back in court on August 23.
Julia LeBlanc is a reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jleblanc@fox61.com Follow her on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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