BRIDGEPORT, Conn. — Authorities are investigating the death of 24-year-old Evelyn Rayo-Mairena as a homicide after she was found critically injured Tuesday night near her home in Bridgeport. The disturbing discovery began with a call about an abandoned child, leading officers to a heartbreaking scene that has left a community in shock.
According to the Bridgeport Police Department, officers responded to the 200 block of Black Rock Avenue around 9:30 p.m. after receiving reports of a young child left alone on a front porch. When police arrived, they located the child and soon discovered the child’s mother, Rayo-Mairena, lying unresponsive in the street just a short distance away.
Emergency crews immediately performed CPR before rushing her to St. Vincent’s Hospital, but despite their efforts, she succumbed to her injuries. Police have not yet disclosed the nature of her injuries but confirmed that the case is being treated as a homicide. Detectives with the Bridgeport Police Homicide Unit have been working through the night, pursuing several leads and interviewing witnesses in hopes of identifying a suspect.
“The department’s homicide detectives have been working tirelessly on this investigation,” said Detective Jeffrey Holtz, emphasizing that officers are following multiple promising leads. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner is conducting an autopsy to determine the exact cause and manner of death.
Authorities said the child, who was taken to Bridgeport Hospital for medical evaluation, is now safe and in protective care. Police have not released information regarding the child’s age or who currently has custody.
As the investigation continues, police are urging anyone with information to contact Detective Elizabeth Santora at 203-581-5291 or leave anonymous tips through the Bridgeport Police Tip Line. The death of Evelyn Rayo-Mairena has sent waves of grief through the neighborhood, where residents are now mourning the young mother’s loss and praying for justice in her name.