State police have identified a woman found dead in Winchester and state police are assisting with the investigation, according to officials from state police.
Police responded to a home in the 500 block of Moore Avenue in Winchester on Jan. 31 at 5:35 p.m. and found Patricia Nikstad, 58, of Winsted, deceased at the scene.
When Nikstad's husband called 911, he had said his wife fell down the stairs, police confirmed. When they arrived to investigate, they say something was not adding up.
"There were a lot of things we could not explain," Winchester Police Chief William Fitzgerald said. "We just do not know for sure at this time how she died."
According to Chief Fitzgerald, police have been to the home in the past for domestic violence calls, but he would not elaborate on the details of the calls. He said Nikstad’s husband is cooperating with the investigation.
Winchester police and the Litchfield State's Attorney Office requested State Police Western District Major Crime unit respond and take over the investigation.
Detectives went door-to-door Monday asking neighbors if they had noticed anything out of the ordinary. Neighbors said they told police Nikstad struggled with alcoholism and passed out in the driveway in the past.
“She had asked for rides to the package store every now and then,” Josh Liuiza, a neighbor said. “But she was always very nice. She never had anything bad to say.”
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner responded and will examine Nikstad's body to determine the cause and manner of her death.
“It’s disturbing to say the least,” Megan Toner, a neighbor said. “Everyone just wants to know what happened and what the cause of her death was.”
Police said the incident isn't of a suspicious nature and the public isn't in danger. The case remains under investigation.
