On April 4, 2026, Paul Balazrano was murdered in his Stratford, CT home. Although an arrest was made 24 days later, many questions remain lingering regarding his homicide as well as questions of people involved. At approximately 11:48PM on 04/04/2026, police responded to 437 Woodstock Ave for reports of a cardiac arrest. Police found Balzarano's ex-girlfriend, Nicole Tucci, (who still lived in the home with him) in the living room. Paramedics pointed out gunshot holes in the stairwell, which police went upstairs to investigate. They found Balzarano, 43, suffering from 9 gunshot wounds and he was pronounced deceased at 11:59PM on 04/04/2026.
13 gunshots were heard on neighbor's doorbell camera's at 11:32PM. There were 16 minutes between when gunshots were heard and when the initial 911 call were made. His ex-partner, according to the arrest warrant, was extremely intoxicated and uncooperative. She stated Balzarano "just dropped in her arms and she didn't know how" even though there was obvious blood stains on her feet and clothing. She made no official statement before being whisked away by her father.
On 04/08/2026, Stratford PD received an anonymous tip as to where the murder weapon was dumped. They searched the area and could not recover it. On 04/09/2026, an additional anonymous tip was made to the Stratford PD with a more accurate location of the murder weapon. The weapon was recovered and DNA from Balzarano's ex-partner's son, Robert Kopasz, was identified on the murder weapon. It was noticed in surveillance footage that his girlfriend, Joelle Carbone, was with him before, during, and after the murder. She also refused to talk to detectives in the days after the murder.
On 04/13/2026, Nicole Tucci was recorded on a neighbor's doorbell camera telling the neighbor that her son "just came in and shot up the place and killed Paul." She also stated that she didn't know why her son wasn't arrested yet. When the neighbor asked Tucci if her was protecting her, Tucci responded "no." Prior to this interaction on 04/12/2026, Tucci had flagged down a Stratford PD officer for a ride home after experiencing a flat tire. During the car ride Tucci stated to the officer "I wish we met under different circumstances because my son killed my lover."
Friends of Balzarano stated that he had plans to leave Tucci and leave Stratford, CT to return home to Long Island, NY. Tucci had a history of drug and alcohol abuse dating back to 2023. She had been in multiple rehabs, hospitals, and treatment facilities. Balzarano supported her through the entire process and financially supported her during this time, as she was not employed. There had been multiple wellness checks to the home during this time, resulting in at least 2 arrestsof Tucci and at least 1 protective order against Tucci, with Balzarano being listed as the victim for both arrests as well as for the protective order.
Robert Kopasz was arrested on 04/28/2026 and has since pleaded not guilty. He has not made any statements regarding his charges or any allegations that his mother made. His mother overdosed and died in the home in June of 2026. His case remains pending and his family and friends continue to hope for justice.