A witness's discovery of a trail of blood in a Winsted, Connecticut home led authorities to uncover what prosecutors say was a brutal murder-suicide attempt that left one woman dead and her estranged husband facing criminal charges.
The incident began Monday evening when a woman arrived at the residence on Prospect Street and found what appeared to be blood pooled in the bathroom, according to an arrest warrant application reviewed by CrimeBytes. The blood trail stretched from the bathroom toward the bedroom, and no one inside was responding to her attempts at contact.
The witness, accompanied by another person, immediately reported the disturbing findings to police. One of the reporting parties was identified as one of Carrie Stetson's adult children, authorities said.
Background
Carrie Stetson, 54, and Leon Stetson, 67, had been estranged but remained connected through a turbulent relationship plagued by the defendant's alleged addiction to crack cocaine, which family members described as causing significant turmoil in their lives, according to court documents.
Investigators learned that Carrie Stetson's child was among those who expressed concern about potential violence. The victim herself had taken legal action against her husband, obtaining an active protective order that prohibited him from contacting her, police said. Court records indicate infidelity also played a role in the deterioration of their marriage.
The Investigation
When officers responded to the residence and entered the home, they found Carrie Stetson with a knife positioned near her head. She had no pulse and displayed no signs of breathing. Medical personnel pronounced her dead at the scene.
Leon Stetson was located nearby, authorities said. He was "observed twitching and presented with snoring respirations" with an exposed laceration approximately four inches long on his neck. Police believe he attempted to take his own life after allegedly murdering his wife. He drifted in and out of consciousness before being transported to an area hospital for treatment.
While receiving medical care, Leon Stetson allegedly confessed to investigators. According to the warrant application, he wrote on a piece of paper: "You know how I did it." He also reportedly told investigators that "things went south" and "things got ugly," language that has become central to the prosecution's narrative.
An autopsy conducted on Carrie Stetson's remains confirmed she died as a result of homicide caused by sharp force injuries, authorities said.
The Charges
Leon Stetson has been charged with murder, violation of a protective order, and home invasion. He is currently being held at a correctional facility on $3 million bond. The defendant was formally arrested after receiving medical treatment for his self-inflicted wound.
Connecticut State Police detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the killing, with additional forensic analysis pending.
Key Takeaways
- Carrie Stetson, 54, was found dead in her Winsted, Connecticut home with a knife near her head
- Her estranged husband, Leon Stetson, 67, was discovered nearby with a self-inflicted neck wound
- Investigators allege the defendant confessed to killing his wife after she obtained a protective order against him
- The suspect allegedly wrote "You know how I did it" while being treated at a hospital
- Autopsy confirmed sharp force injuries caused the victim's death
What's Next
Leon Stetson is expected to face arraignment on the murder and related charges in the coming weeks. Connecticut State Police detectives continue their investigation, with prosecutors anticipated to present additional evidence as the case moves through the judicial system. The protective order violation charge carries separate legal implications that could affect sentencing if he is convicted.