Danbury Police: Man + Juvenile Arrested in Skate Park Homicide

After an investigation that lasted about nine days, local police have made two arrests in connection with a recent homicide in Danbury.

Back on on Wednesday, March 18, 21-year-old Willy Placencia was pronounced dead after being rushed to Danbury Hospital following a stabbing, which occurred during a fight that had broken out at the skate park located at 32 Patriot Drive.

According to the Danbury Police Department, 20-year-old James Lema-Zaruma and an unidentified 16-year-old, both of Danbury were arrested on Thursday (March 26) as the result of an extensive investigation that included eye-witness interviews, many anonymous tips and all-around good police work.

The arrests of Lema-Zaruma and the unidentified juvenile are the first of what police say will be multiple arrests in connection with the death of Willy Palencia. The DPD noted that there are multiple suspects believed to have been involved.

The 16-year-old male in question is facing charges of manslaughter, assault and various conspiracy charges, while Lema-Zaruma faces a lesser charge of criminal liability to commit assault. The juvenile was remanded to custody while James Lema-Zaruma was held on a $10,000 bond.

The Danbury Police Department says that since this continues to be an ongoing and active investigation, court documents related to the case have been temporarily sealed.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Danbury Police Department’s Detective Division at 203-797-4662. Anonymous TIPS Line is 203-790-8477.