TRUMBULL, CT – A tragic event overshadowed a family celebration in Trumbull, Connecticut, when a woman was killed in a violent attack at her apartment complex just a day after her 70th birthday. The brutal assault, which involved a baseball bat, occurred at the Ten Trumbull luxury apartments on April 28, leaving the community in shock.
The assailant, identified by police as 46-year-old Ylli Shtopaku, allegedly attacked Lida Shape, his former mother-in-law, in broad daylight. The incident unfolded as Shape returned home with a friend around noon. According to law enforcement, the confrontation took place in the clubhouse area of the complex, a scene that was captured by surveillance cameras.
Responding officers discovered Shape lying severely injured and struggling to breathe. Despite efforts to save her, she died at the scene due to the grievous injuries inflicted.
The connection between Shtopaku and Shape stemmed from his previous marriage to her daughter, a relationship that had ended years prior with a divorce. Shape had been residing at the apartment with her daughter and two grandchildren. In the aftermath of the attack, the shaken family and community are grappling with the loss of a beloved figure.
After the assault, a neighbor’s tip led to Shtopaku’s swift arrest near the apartment complex. During the arrest, Shtopaku reportedly expressed grievances against Shape, claiming she had caused him years of misery. He admitted to the attack and told police that he had followed Shape from a nearby mall after spotting her there earlier that day. Retrieving a baseball bat from his car, he then confronted and attacked her.
In subsequent police interviews, Shtopaku cited a series of personal setbacks he blamed on Shape, including his divorce, the loss of his home in neighboring Monroe, and ongoing financial difficulties. These revelations have prompted further investigation into the motives behind the attack.
The legal proceedings against Shtopaku are ongoing; he faces a murder charge and was held on a $3 million bond. The details of a plea deal presented at his recent court appearance remain confidential.
This case has stirred discussions about family violence and its devastating ripple effects across communities. Local authorities are continuing their investigation and have appealed for additional witnesses.
Friends and neighbors have described Shape as a cherished and integral part of the community, whose absence has left a profound impact. As the community mourns, the legal process and search for justice for Shape persist, highlighting the broader societal challenges posed by domestic violence.