Avon Police sergeant, wife found dead

Staff Report

Long-time Avon police veteran Sgt. Thomas Jacius and his wife Doreen, director at East Granby Library, were found deceased in their home the morning of Sunday, Aug. 28, officials said.

Jacius was a 24-year veteran of the Avon Police Department and the incident took place when he was off duty. Doreen Jacius was director of East Granby Public Library.

According to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner: Doreen Jacius' death was a homicide and she "suffered multiple gunshot wounds to the torso, neck and head." Thomas Jacius suffered a single gunshot wound to the head and his death was ruled a suicide.

The Connecticut State Police Major Crimes Unit is investigating the incident.

"The Avon Police Department is deeply saddened by the events that have transpired and our condolences go out to the families, our friends and the community," an Avon Police Department release said.

The East Granby Public Library staff and Board of Directors are shocked and devastated by the sudden loss of our Director, Doreen Jacius," library staff posted on Facebook. "She was beloved by us and the community. We grieve with the town. More details regarding the Library’s reopening will be forthcoming in the next few days."

Doreen Jacius was a graduate of East Granby High School and the University of Connecticut and a devoted mother who spread her kindness everywhere, her obituary says.

"Doreen's friendly smile, generosity and devotion to her community touched the lives of so many people," her obit states. "She had an ambition to help others and did so with her graceful style of encouragement and positivity, raising others up to better versions of themselves. Words barely convey the magnitude of her impact on those she loved and served."

She served at the East Granby Library for the past 6 years, including four as director. She brought her kindness to the position, making the library a welcoming place for all, her obituary states. "She was passionate about making the East Granby Library a place where everyone was welcome, creating with her staff and Board, a safe and warm place for all to come with no expectation of anything in return," it notes. "Everyone she interacted with was treated with kindness and respect."

A private funeral service and celebration of life is set for Sept. 2.