Mother strangled 3 children, hanged herself, police in Connecticut say

DANBURY, CT (WFSB/Gray News) - Three children and their mother were found dead at a home in Danbury on Wednesday.

Police identified the people who died as 36-year-old Sonia Loja, 12-year-old Junior Panjon, 10-year-old Joselyn Panjon and 5-year-old Jonael Panjon.

They said the children appeared to have been strangled. Loja’s death was suspected to be asphyxia by hanging.

At around 6:30 p.m., officers said they responded a well-being call at 10 Whaley St. The caller was said to have been distraught and crying.

When they arrived, officers went inside the single-family home and said they found three deceased people, all juveniles.

While conducting a further check of the property, they reported finding a deceased female in a shed in the backyard.

Pending an official autopsy, police said preliminary findings indicated Loja strangled her three children before killing herself. However, they still called it an active investigation.

Investigators had learned that the mother and children lived at the residence with two other adults, who were not present when police initially arrived. They and other extended family members were contacted and advised of the incident.

Police said the case was an isolated incident, and there was no danger to the public.

No arrests were made, and they said they were not looking for any suspects.

State police said they were not involved in the investigation.

An autopsy of the deceased was scheduled for Thursday morning at the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner in Farmington.

“The mayor’s office and the city’s police, fire, health, education, emergency management and health departments, along with Nuvance Health, have coordinated efforts to provide services to the family and friends of the deceased,” said Det. Capt. Mark Williams, Danbury police. “As this is also an emotionally damaging incident for first responders, services have been extended to public safety personnel who responded to the scene. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the family and friends of the victims.

“A truly horrible event occurred in our city yesterday and we mourn the tragic loss of life. In the coming days, mental health and counseling services will be provided through collaboration with the Danbury Public Schools and the City of Danbury,” said Mayor Dean Esposito. “Our community grieves for the innocent lives taken from us. We will get through this together.”

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