POLICE IDENTIFY VICTIM IN NORWICH FATAL FIRE

— The 33-year-old man found dead inside his burning Central Avenue apartment Sept. 19 died of smoke inhalation and burns, the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner has ruled.

Norwich police identified the victim as Madison Barrett, whose body was found in his second-floor 197 Central Ave. apartment by firefighters.

The medical examiner’s office on Monday said the manner of Barrett’s death is pending further study. Norwich police said preliminary investigation indicates no criminal nature to Barrett’s death.

The cause of the fire also remains under investigation by the Norwich and state fire marshals’ offices.

Barrett is the same man arrested by Ledyard police in April 2023 and charged with a hate crime in connection with vandalism and profane graffiti found painted inside the Our Lady of Lourdes Church in Gales Ferry. Barrett’s family told police at the time that Barrett had learning disabilities and struggled with mental illness and substance abuse issues.

Barrett’s court case is sealed from public viewing. court records show.

Jonathan K. Olsen, 41, of 33 Shawondassee Drive in Stonington is charged with evading the scene of an accident that results in serious injury or death in connection with the March 6 death of 69-year-old Gary Piver, a high school custodian. The charge carries a penalty of up to 20 years in prison.

Free on $100,000 bond, Olsen made a second appearance in New London Superior Court on Monday. The case was continued to Nov. 1.

Police allege that Olsen struck Piver head-on with his vehicle on Route 1, in the area of Anguilla Brook Bridge, on the evening of March 6 and did not stop to render aid. Police said bloodied car parts left at the scene came from Olsen’s Toyota 4-Runner.