An engineer was found dead at his girlfriend's home in Cheshire, Connecticut, in October 2023, with injuries that led to a homicide ruling. Shane DeJongh, 53, died on October 6, 2023, from what was initially believed to be natural causes, but an autopsy revealed blunt force injuries to his head and neck.
According to the Hartford Courant, DeJongh's sister Robyn van Ekelenburg said she suspected foul play after seeing his body. She noted his neck was so swollen it looked 'like he had no neck'. The autopsy found skin contusions on his head, an abrasion on his left ear, a brain bleed, a hemorrhage in his neck, and a fractured thyroid cartilage.
The medical examiner ruled DeJongh's death a homicide, caused by cardiac arrhythmia following a physical altercation, complicating pre-existing cardiovascular disease. The couple had gone out for drinks with their realtor the night before to celebrate a planned move to Georgia after DeJongh accepted a new job.
DeJongh's family filed a civil lawsuit against his girlfriend Natasha Vadasz in March, but withdrew it last week to add an additional defendant and plaintiff. The family seeks damages for wrongful death. Vadasz has not been charged, and no arrests have been made. Cheshire Police confirmed a comprehensive investigation with multiple interviews and forensic analysis.
