Podcast Summary: The Deck – Episode: Dominic Marino (2 of Clubs, Connecticut)

Introduction In this poignant episode of The Deck, host Ashley Flowers delves into the tragic and unresolved case of Dominic Marino, a 30-year-old Air Force veteran from Connecticut who was brutally murdered in his own home in November 2018. Through meticulous storytelling, interviews with law enforcement and family members, Flowers aims to shed light on the baffling circumstances surrounding Dominic's death, hoping that listeners might hold the key to solving this heartbreaking mystery.

Case Overview Dominic Marino, an Air Force veteran, was found dead in his Connecticut home under mysterious and violent circumstances. The case remains one of the coldest, with few leads and lingering questions about the motives and perpetrators.

The Tragic Night The episode begins with a recounting of the harrowing events leading up to Dominic's death. On the evening of November 16, 2018, Dominic was preparing to return home after a short visit with his father, Mark Marino. Mark describes a heartfelt farewell, unaware that it would be the last time he would see his son alive.

Mark Marino (05:04): "Tried to rip the tape off him, compressions. My poor little boy. He's not the same. He didn't know what to do."

Dominic was found dead a week later, in what appeared to be a targeted attack rather than a random home invasion. His brother Vinnie discovered the crime scene, leading to a series of investigations that uncovered unsettling details.

Investigation Details Detectives from the East Hartford Police Department, including Lt. Frank Napolitano, took charge of the investigation. Initial findings indicated a single gunshot wound to Dominic's chest, with a peculiar absence of a spent bullet casings, suggesting the use of a firearm not immediately traceable.

Key Evidence and Findings

1. Forced Entry and Ransacked Home: The house showed signs of forced entry and extensive ransacking, but many valuables, including Dominic's phone and computer, were left untouched, hinting that the perpetrators were searching for something specific.

   Lt. Frank Napolitano (07:53): "It implied that it wasn't just your basic burglary. There were things that easily could have been taken out of the home that were still there."

2. Dominic’s Dog, Zoe: Zoe, Dominic’s German Shepherd, was found unharmed despite the chaos, raising questions about her behavior during the incident.

   Lt. Frank Napolitano (09:20): "It signified whoever was in the house, most likely at least two were in there for a while to restrain Dominic."

3. Vinnie Marino’s Involvement: Vinnie, Dominic’s younger brother, emerged as a person of interest due to inconsistencies in his story and the discovery of a significant amount of money and drugs in his possession.

   Lt. Frank Napolitano (12:47): "We did locate a significant amount of money in Vinnie’s bedroom. It was several thousand."

Despite his initial cooperation, Vinnie’s evasiveness raised suspicions. Detectives believe he may hold crucial information, potentially indicating that Dominic was not the intended target.

4. Missing Items and Subsequent Break-Ins: After Dominic’s death, additional disturbances at the Marino household, such as the tampering with mattresses and the theft of TVs, suggest that the perpetrators returned to the scene, possibly searching for evidence or specific items.

   Mark Marino (11:54): "It happened literally in his bedroom... It's horrifying."

Family Perspective Mark Marino shares the profound impact of his son's death on his life, highlighting his ongoing struggle for answers and justice.

Mark Marino (26:26): "I just want to know. Kill my kid."

Mark recounts the emotional turmoil he endures, from the moment he received the devastating call to the relentless pursuit of the truth.

Mark Marino (27:24): "It took me six hours to start his obituary. I sat at my computer and cried like a baby for hours before I could start typing my thoughts about my son."

Unresolved Questions and Current Status Despite years of investigation, several questions remain unanswered:

• Time of Death: Conflicting accounts about Dominic’s last known movements complicate the timeline.
• DNA Evidence: Mixed DNA found on the tape used to bind Dominic’s limbs remains inconclusive, as it does not match Vinnie and cannot be entered into databases without a direct comparison.
• Potential Suspects: Mark suspects a man named Steve, whom Vinnie had encountered before Dominic's death, but police have yet to find substantial evidence linking him to the crime.

Mark Marino (22:11): "Vinny was thoroughly investigated by the police... he has not told me anything."

Call to Action Ashley Flowers urges listeners with any information to come forward, emphasizing the potential for a significant reward and the possibility of providing much-needed closure for Dominic’s family.

Ashley Flowers (31:09): "If you know anything about the murder of Dominic Marino that cold November weekend in 2018, please reach out to Lt. Frank Napolitano with the East Hartford Police Department at 860-528-4401. You might be eligible for a $50,000 reward, and more importantly, you might be able to give a devastated dad just a bit of peace."

Conclusion The episode concludes with a heartfelt acknowledgment of Dominic’s memory and Mark’s enduring hope for justice. Despite the passage of time, the quest to uncover the truth behind Dominic Marino's untimely death continues, driven by a father's unwavering love and determination.

Mark Marino (30:20): "I pray that we find out who killed him... maybe finding out who did this to him."

The Deck remains committed to bringing attention to forgotten cases, striving to provide a platform for justice through persistent storytelling and community engagement.

Notable Quotes:

• Mark Marino (05:04): "Tried to rip the tape off him, compressions. My poor little boy. He's not the same."
• Lt. Frank Napolitano (07:53): "It implied that it wasn't just your basic burglary."
• Mark Marino (27:24): "It took me six hours to start his obituary... It just never gets easier."

Timestamps Reference:

• 05:04 - 27:56: Core narrative and interviews covering the discovery of Dominic’s body, investigation details, family insights, and ongoing unresolved aspects of the case.
• 31:09: Final call to action for listeners to assist in solving the case.

Final Thoughts This episode of The Deck masterfully intertwines emotional family testimonies with detailed investigative insights, painting a comprehensive picture of Dominic Marino's tragic fate. It underscores the essential role that community awareness and listener involvement play in solving cold cases, offering hope that justice for Dominic can still be achieved.

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