A New Britain jury delivered a verdict on Friday, finding 21‑year‑old Cooper Ouellette guilty of second‑degree manslaughter and delivering alcohol to a minor in connection with the 2023 death of his girlfriend, 17‑year‑old Sophie Ringquist of Burlington.
Trial details
The trial began on Oct. 30 in the New Britain Superior Court. Ouellette, who was 19 at the time of the incident, declined to testify. The jury deliberated for only a few hours before reaching its decision.
What the court determined
The jury acquitted Ouellette of first‑degree manslaughter but convicted him of the lesser charge of second‑degree manslaughter and the misdemeanor of providing alcohol to a minor. He will be sentenced on Jan. 12, 2027.
Incident recap
According to the arrest warrant and court documents, the incident occurred on the night of May 20, 2023, after Ouellette and Ringquist attended a party and got into a fight. Multiple witnesses reported that Ouellette kicked Ringquist to the ground and shoved her against his truck. He then allegedly ran her over, dragged her, dropped her at her home, and failed to call 911 despite her injuries.
Investigators pieced together the events using surveillance video, cell‑phone tracking data, and a video Ringquist posted to a social‑media account.
Next steps
Ouellette’s sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 12, 2027, where the court will determine the appropriate penalty for the convictions.
Original reporting: NBC Connecticut — read the source article.
