Suspect charged with Norwich knife murder: what police say

Norwich police have issued an arrest warrant for a suspect in connection with a Friday night homicide.

Jhon Paul Cela-Pichisaca of 118 Baltic Rd. in Norwich is accused of stabbing Nelson Chumap on Friday, January 10. He faces charges of murder and possession of a dangerous weapon. Cela-Pichisaca is currently being held on a $500,000 cash bond pending his arraignment in Norwich Superior Court.

According to Norwich police, the unconscious, bloody man was transported to Backus Hospital around 11:35 p.m. Upon arrival at the hospital, Backus staff notified police, and upon officers’ arrival on scene, it was determined that the victim, later identified as Chumap, had been stabbed. Chumap later died from his injuries.

How did it happen

Police determined that the stabbing occurred at 118 Baltic Rd. and considered it a crime scene. Cela-Pichisaca was found at the residence arrested for third-degree assault and second-degree breach of peace. Witnesses at the scene identified Cela-Pichisac as the person who had been involved in an argument with Chumap before his death.

According to a police press release, the homicide investigation continued on Saturday and Sunday, during which detectives and officers conducted multiple interviews, secured key evidence, including two vehicles, and checked video recordings. Through investigation, police determined that Cela-Pichisaca was responsible for the stab wound suffered by Chumapa.

Based on the evidence gathered, the police news report concluded that the stabbing was a deliberate incident and that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.

The article originally appeared in the Bulletin: A Norwich man arrested and charged with murder following a stabbing