Police report: 77-year-old New Canaan man accused of killing wife has dementia, was 'confrontational'
A New Canaan man accused of fatally shooting his wife faced a judge Friday, and newly released police reports bring up questions about his recent state of mind, including from his own family members.
News 12 Staff
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May 7, 2021, 11:17 AM
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Updated 1,082 days ago
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4ds agoA New Canaan man accused of fatally shooting his wife faced a judge Friday, and newly released police reports bring up questions about his recent state of mind, including from his own family members.
Albert Kokoth, 77, was visibly agitated as he appeared before Judge Bruce Hudock virtually.
He is accused of shooting his wife in their home on Down River Road Thursday. New Canaan police found Margaret Kokoth dead in the basement.
Police reports show it was one of Kokoth's daughters who first alerted 911. She said her father had called her and said he'd shot her mother by mistake.
The reports indicate that a minute later, Kokoth also phoned 911 stating, "...Well I was showing my wife my shotgun and I accidentally shot her."
He's facing assault and gun charges, but the prosecutor said that is just the beginning.
"The defendant's version of evidence is not consistent with the evidence. This appears to be an intentional act. I am confident that additional charges will be forthcoming," says Assistant State's Attorney Dan Cummings.
Defense Attorney Mark Kratter told the judge that Kokoth is a retired aircraft engineer with children and grandchildren in the area.
"His whole life is in Connecticut. He's not a flight risk, your honor," says Kratter.
Police reports show family members told police Kokoth has dementia. A neighbor also said Kokoth's mental health has been deteriorating and called him "confrontational."
One officer noted, "As I spoke to Mr. Kokoth, he would shift conversations repeatedly making it hard to gather information."
Another wrote, "...I heard him spontaneously utter to his daughter Mary while giggling, 'Now they have something exciting to post in the NewCanaanite.'"
The judge set bond at $2 million. His daughter and son-in-law were visibly upset about that in court.
Kratter tells News 12 the family is united in their support for him.
A neighbor also told police he heard two separate shots fired 15 minutes apart.
