Date: Fri 04-Oct-1996

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

Doheny-murder-police

Full Text:

Judge Says Trial May Proceed In Doheny Murder Case

The state will move forward in prosecuting a 19-year-old Derby man on charges

of felony murder and first-degree robbery stemming from the August 26 killing

of Shawn T. Doheny, 19, of Sandy Hook at the town boat ramp in Shelton.

On Tuesday in Milford Superior Court, Judge Bruce Thompson decided the state

has sufficient evidence to proceed with a trial of Gary J. Morgan of Derby.

Morgan's next scheduled court appearance is November 13. He is being held on

$1 million bond.

The apparent motive for the murder is the theft of car stereo equipment from

Doheny, according to Shelton police.

On August 26, police received a call at about 6:40 am from a Shelton resident

who had spotted a partially submerged car in the Housatonic River, near the

town boat launch. On inspecting the scene, police waded out about 90 feet from

shore and found a red 1987 Chevrolet Cavalier coupe with the deceased Doheny

inside it.

Morgan confessed to police he had cut Doheny's throat with a knife, according

to Shelton police.

Police believe Doheny found Mr Morgan stealing new stereo equipment from his

Chevrolet and an argument ensued in which Morgan cut Doheny's throat killing

him.

Before making off with the stereo equipment, Morgan pushed the car into the

river to cover up the killing, according to police.

Doheny was employed at Thomas's Deli in Sandy Hook.