The whole town of Bethel is in a state of shock and unease due to the alleged murder-suicide. This unforeseen tragedy struck the small town on the night of January 31st.
Traci-Marie Jones, 52, had obtained a restraining order to protect herself from Lester Jones, 58, her spouse. The couple got married in 1999.
Traci-Marie Jones secured a restraining order from the court just a week prior to her brutal murder. The order barred Lester Jones from contacting her and required him to surrender his ammunition, as well as stay at least 100 yards away from her.
The court was informed that Lester Jones allegedly possessed one or more firearms.
Public records linked both individuals to a residence on Reservoir Street. A call was placed to the police by a resident from the same area, reporting disturbing noise originating from Jones’ residence.
Upon arrival, law enforcement discovered a man and a woman inside the house, both of whom had sustained gunshot wounds.
Traci-Marie Jones succumbed to her injuries and was declared deceased on the scene. She had gunshot wounds on her head and trunk.
Her spouse, who is believed to be her assailant, had also sustained a gunshot wound to the head. He was transported to Danbury hospital by the officers, where he was later pronounced deceased.
According to the Chief Medical Examiner, Traci-Marie Jones was the victim of a homicide, while Lester Jones took his own life.
The authorities interviewed Reservoir Street resident Celso Ferreira. He stated that he was unaware of the events at the neighboring house until Wednesday morning. He mentioned, “I was sleeping and didn’t hear or see anything.”
Celso Ferreira described the Jones as amicable but emphasized that he was not close to them. He remarked, “They are my neighbors, but I don’t know who was in the house. They would exchange greetings, but nothing more than that.”
The Bethel murder-suicide marks the first occurrence of such an event in the tranquil town of Bethel.
What led to Lester Jones’ arrest?
Lester Jones was apprehended a week before his suicide. He was taken into custody for attempting theft at a lumber yard in Danbury.
According to the arrest warrant, surveillance footage from a nearby camera depicted a man, later identified as Jones, driving to the yard in a Kia Sportage and pilfering items from the lumber yard.
During interrogation, Jones confessed to stealing the items. He alleged that he had conducted business with the company, but the owners did not refund his money.
