Fatal Shooting of Norwich Woman : “2020 Norwich Shooting: Suspect Hearing Scheduled”

Accident – Death – Obituary News : : 1. Norwich fatal shooting suspect hearing
2. 2020 shooting suspect court hearing Norwich

Witnesses are set to testify in court this week during a hearing for a 23-year-old Norwich man accused in the fatal 2020 shooting of a Norwich woman. Atlantikh Balidemaj is charged with murder in the death of 30-year-old Jashira Pagan and faces a $5 million bond. The probable cause hearing, scheduled to begin Tuesday in New London Superior Court, will determine if there is enough evidence for the case to proceed to trial. Balidemaj’s new attorney, William T. Koch Jr., has filed motions to exclude certain evidence, arguing that police lack proof of his client’s possession of a gun.

Witnesses to Testify in Court Hearing for Norwich Man Accused in Fatal Shooting

This week, witnesses are expected to take the stand in a court hearing for 23-year-old Atlantikh Balidemaj, a Norwich man charged with murder in the fatal shooting of 30-year-old Jashira Pagan in 2020.

Legal Proceedings Unfold in New London Superior Court

Atlantikh Balidemaj is currently held on a $5 million bond as he faces the murder charge in the death of Jashira Pagan. The legal proceedings are set to begin in New London Superior Court, where a probable cause hearing will take place. This hearing is similar to a trial, with witness testimonies and evidence presented by state prosecutors. Judge Arthur Haddan will preside over the case and determine if there is sufficient evidence for it to proceed to a pre-trial phase.

Legal Delays and Change of Attorneys

Balidemaj was arrested on Dec. 9, 2022, and has not yet entered a plea. The case faced delays due to a change of attorneys. His former attorney, Drizislav “Dado” Coric, was deemed to have a conflict of interest as he had previously represented key witnesses in the case. Balidemaj is now represented by attorney William T. Koch Jr., who has filed motions to exclude certain evidence from trial, including gunshot residue found on Balidemaj’s clothing.

Details of the Tragic Incident

Jashira Pagan was discovered shot in the face outside her home at Uncas Condominiums on 527 W. Thames St. in Norwich. She was found without any apparent brain activity and was pronounced dead at the hospital on Nov. 7, 2022. Police investigations revealed that Pagan and her mother were at Modelo Bar & Grill in Norwich the night before the fatal shooting.

Arrest and Account of Events

After the shooting, police located Balidemaj near the Spa at Norwich Inn and took him into custody. Balidemaj’s brother and father also appeared at the scene and provided details of a phone call from Balidemaj indicating a “very bad situation.” Balidemaj allegedly claimed to have been at Pagan’s home, where they consumed alcohol and engaged in sexual activity. He provided conflicting accounts of the events leading up to the shooting.

Legal Proceedings and Prosecution

The case is being prosecuted by Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Thomas DeLillo and Assistant State’s Attorney Marissa Goldberg. In a separate case, Balidemaj’s younger brother, Vullnetar Balidemaj, faces gun-related charges stemming from a previous arrest. These charges are related to a confrontation at Foxwoods where a victim reported being threatened with a gun.

Contact: g.smith@theday.com