The unsolved murder of Air Force veteran Dominic Marino has left the East Hartford community in a state of uncertainty for more than seven years. Despite extensive investigations, the perpetrator of this tragic crime remains unidentified.
Details of the Crime
On the night of November 18, 2018, an unknown assailant broke into Marino’s Suffolk Drive residence. The intruder bound Marino’s wrists and ankles before fatally shooting him in the chest. Marino’s brother, Vinny, discovered the crime upon returning home and reported it to the authorities.
Despite the initial ruling of homicide by the medical examiner, investigators have made little progress since the incident. They suspect that more than one individual might have been involved in the break-in, noting signs of a struggle in the ransacked home. Interestingly, no valuables were taken, leaving the motive unclear.
The neighborhood is typically quiet, with low crime rates, making the incident all the more shocking. Dominic’s father, Mark Marino, speculated that someone might have heard the commotion, especially since Marino’s German shepherd, Zoe, would likely have barked during the intrusion.
“It’s just a pure rage that I have at this point in my life,” Mark Marino expressed to Fox 61 News in Hartford. “My whole family is suffering. The sorrow will probably never go away.”
Dominic had recently visited his father, embracing him for what would be the last time before his untimely death, as reported by The Deck podcast.
A Life of Service
Dominic Marino’s aspirations to serve his country began at the age of 12. His passion for sports and adventure drew him to the military, leading him to enlist in the Air Force at 18. His career took him to various locations including Guam, Kuwait, and South Korea, where he received multiple accolades, such as Airman of the Quarter and Airman of the Year.
Due to injuries, Marino left military service reluctantly. His obituary noted, “He truly felt a sadness that he couldn’t continue to serve active duty.”
Even after his military career, Marino remained active in his community, volunteering at soup kitchens and the Newington VA Clinic. “He used what skills he had and volunteered,” his father remarked.
Marino also enjoyed reading and exploring nature with his dog. His love for life and community was evident in all his actions.
A Community Mourns
The murder of Dominic Marino has left a lasting impact on East Hartford and beyond. The state of Connecticut marked the first anniversary of his death by offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of his killer.
His family continues to urge anyone with information to come forward, highlighting the police’s need for public assistance. “The police are obviously outmanned and need your help, need the public’s help to try to solve my son’s case,” Mark Marino pleaded.
Years later, the case remains unresolved, leaving family and friends longing for justice. In his obituary, loved ones fondly remembered Marino as someone who “would light up a room,” describing him as “truly a good soul” with “a special bond with kids.”
Dominic Marino was laid to rest at the Connecticut State Veterans Cemetery in Middletown. Anyone with insights on his case is encouraged to contact the East Hartford Police Department at (860) 291-7640 or the Connecticut Cold Case Unit at (866) 623-8058. Tips can also be sent via email to Det. Frank Napolitano at fnapolitano@easthartfordct.gov.
