BURLINGTON, CT – A 19-year-old Harwinton resident was arrested following an investigation into the tragic death of a 17-year-old girl in Burlington last year, authorities confirmed. Cooper Oullette faces charges of first-degree manslaughter and providing alcohol to a minor, linked to the incident that unfolded on May 21, 2023.
According to Connecticut State Police, the teen was critically injured after an alleged altercation and subsequent fall from a moving vehicle. The distress call initially came through to Bristol Police Department shortly after midnight, reporting that the victim was transported to Bristol Hospital by relatives. She succumbed to her injuries and was declared deceased before 1 a.m.
Investigations revealed that Oullette was driving the pickup truck from which the victim supposedly fell. State police, upon deeper probing, classified the incident as a domestic violence crime, following the unearthing of details about the couple’s turbulent relationship.
The warrant for Oullette’s arrest, which was issued on July 11, 2024, and his subsequent surrender the following day at the Connecticut State Police Troop L barracks, marked a significant development in the case. This turn of events came after meticulous collection of evidence, including statements from witnesses and digital footprints from the victim’s Snapchat account, alongside surveillance footage.
Witness accounts suggest that prior to the fatal incident, Oullette had purchased alcohol from a package store and distributed it at a party in Terryville, where the victim and Oullette were present. During the party, the couple reportedly engaged in an altercation, during which Oullette is said to have shoved the girl against his truck, resulting in a bloody nose.
Witnesses further disclosed that the victim had tried to secure a different ride home, attempts that Oullette allegedly thwarted. Approximated timelines provided by the state police indicate that Oullette and the victim left the party around 11:20 p.m., shortly after which the tragic incident occurred on Locust Road.
Following the incident, Oullette is reported to have taken the severely injured girl to her home. It was soon after this that her concerned parents rushed her to the hospital, where she was unfortunately pronounced dead.
The unfolding of these events led to Oullette’s charges, highlighting a series of poor decisions culminating in a night of tragedy. His arraignment was set for the following Monday at New Britain Superior Court, where he appeared after being released on a $50,000 cash or surety bond.
This case has drawn attention to the broader issues of teen relationships, alcohol consumption, and domestic violence, sparking conversations in the community about safety and awareness programs aimed at preventing such incidents. The local authorities and community leaders have since been urged to bolster educational outreach to help young individuals navigate relationships healthily and responsibly.