A Connecticut man has reached a plea deal in connection with a hit-and-run car crash that killed a state police chaplain in 2024.
Gabriel Figueroa, a 26-year-old New Britain man, will serve three years after pleading guilty to evading responsibility resulting in death, local ABC affiliate WTNH reported. The rest of his 20-year term will be suspended after those three years. His next court date is March 19.
Figueroa was charged in the death of the Rev. Paul Krampitz, 65, on Sept. 18, 2024, on Connecticut State Route 9 in Berlin. Krampitz was riding a Harley Davidson motorcycle when Figueroa, behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Impala, changed lanes and struck him, investigators said.
The crash impact killed Krampitz, who was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Figueroa, who was not injured, fled the scene but later returned, telling police he just panicked and sped away after the impact.
Figueroa was arrested in July 2025 and charged with negligent homicide and other crimes. He pleaded not guilty to the homicide charge as part of his plea deal, according to the Hartford Courant.
Krampitz had been a Connecticut State Police chaplain since 2008, working with multiple troops and local first responders as well.
“Chaplain Krampitz was a pillar to our agency,” the department said following his death. “Often sought after by troopers, command staff and chaplains for spiritual support, counsel, mentorship and guidance; Chaplain Krampitz was a reputable and respected member of our agency.”
