Fatal Hit and Run Investigation Could Take "Months or Years"

The investigation into the hit and run accident that killed 82-year-old New Canaan resident Jayaraman Krishna on Aug. 18 could "take months or years," according to New Canaan Police Department Capt. Leon Krolikowski.

The Connecticut State Police Major Crime unit sent 10 investigators as well as some evidence technicians to aid New Canaan police officers as they searched the 2008 Infiniti QX56 on Monday afternoon, Krolikowski said.

"We have no update now," he said. "It can take months or years for information to come back from the lab." 

Krolikowski said the lab prioritizes cases according to severity, with homicides and rapes taking precedence. "This may take a little bit of time," he said.

"We are going to be thorough," he said. "We want to have a complete picture of what occurred. We don't rush investigations and come to quick conclusions." 

Krolikowski said after the department's investigation is complete, New Canaan police will confer with the state's attorney to see if charges are applicable.

Police have identified the suspect as a 32-year-old New Canaan woman but released no other information.

"It really doesn't matter whether or not the suspect or victim lives in town," Krolikowski said. "We would be as thorough as we are being. We are sensitive to needs of our citizens, but in an investigation like this it's not a factor if the suspect or victim lives in town."

Krishna was hit and killed as he stood by the mailbox at his son's home on Oenoke Ridge.

"Three 911 calls came in,"  New Canaan police Sgt. Carol Ogrinc said. "Two went to Pound Ridge.  One to us."

Ogrinc said it's possible more calls were made that didn't go through because of spotty cell coverage in the area.  

A spokesman for New York State Troopers, who handle dispatch for Pound Ridge, N.Y., said they have turned over all materials related to this case to New Canaan Police.

Police have not yet begun interviewing, another process that could take "a few to several weeks," Ogrinc said.

"We've identified the driver. We have the vehicle," said Ogrinc. There's no rush to make an arrest."

The Krishna family was not immediately available for comment.