The Waterbury Times|Breaking News|Published Oct 3, 2026

A 35-year-old Waterbury man died early Saturday morning after suffering stab wounds during an argument with his girlfriend, according to Waterbury Police.

Officers were dispatched to the area of 40 Chestnut Ave. at approximately 10:34 p.m. Friday, Oct. 2, following a report of a bleeding man. They found Joseph Rodriguez, 35, of Waterbury, suffering from apparent stab wounds to his chest and arm.

Rodriguez was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment. Police said investigators determined that his injuries occurred during an argument with his girlfriend, 39-year-old Destiny Smith of Waterbury, that became physical.

According to police, Smith was in possession of a knife during the disturbance and used it to injure Rodriguez.

Rodriguez was pronounced deceased at approximately 3:35 a.m. Saturday, Oct. 3.

Smith was taken into custody and charged with murder. She is being held on a $2 million bond and is scheduled to be arraigned Monday, Oct. 5, at 9 a.m.

The investigation remains active.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Waterbury Police Detective Bureau at (203) 574-6941. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Crime Stoppers at (203) 755-1234.

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