Police in Stamford say they now believe the death of a popular resident this month was part of a well-planned killing.

The body of 51-year-old Marco Paoletta was found on Vine Road Jan. 3. Police originally thought Paoletta was the victim of a hit-and-run. However, a medical examiner determined Paoletta?s death was caused by a gunshot to the head.

Police say there is reason to believe the murder was premeditated and that someone was trailing Paoletta after he finished a game of racquetball that night.

Investigators also say Paoletta?s car was found intentionally set on fire, about three hours after his body was found, in Norwalk.

Authorities have not recovered a murder weapon.

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