Two Stamford men are accused of holding a Florida woman against her will for two days, assaulting her, threatening her and not even allowing her to use the bathroom without being guarded.

The victim was able to escape on Aug. 22 and flagged down a driver who called police, police said.

The victim told investigators that she had escaped from a house where she had been held against her will.

She said that she had traveled from Florida to Connecticut to visit a former boyfriend, 39-year-old Simon Betser, and his friend, 33-year-old Ronald Kuzlik, picked her up and drove her to Betser‘s home on Aug. 20.

For two days, she was assaulted and threatened, according to police.

She wasn’t allowed to leave the residence, nor could she use the bathroom without Kuzlik guarding her, police said.

Late in the evening on Aug. 22, after suffering more abuse, she was able to escape and flag down a driver who was passing by. That person then called the police.

On Aug. 23, Stamford Police and members of the Special Victim’s Unit responded to Betser’s Longview Avenue to secure the scene while awaiting a search warrant.

While they were there, Betser emerged from his home with a “self-described” attack dog, sat in his driveway, spoke to officers in Russian and refused to cooperate with the investigation until a search warrant was produced, police said.

Betser was charged with cruelty to persons, assault in the third degree, reckless endangerment in the first degree, unlawful restraint, carrying a dangerous weapon and larceny in the second degree. He was held on a $500,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court today.

Kuzlik was charged with cruelty to persons, unlawful restraint and reckless endangerment. He was held on a $200,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on Sept. 17.

It's not clear if the two men have attorneys. 

Police have responded to a condominium complex in Danbury and said they are investigating a homicide.

Investigators have responded to the Sterling Woods Condominium Complex and said the homicide happened early this morning.

One person is dead and investigators are looking for the person involved.

They said it does not appear to be a random act and they have no reason to believe other members of the community are at risk.

Police have not released the name of the victim because they are notifying family.

Check back for updates.

After days of claiming without evidence that Alabama was projected to be hit by Hurricane Dorian, President Donald Trump displayed an apparently doctored map in the Oval Office on Wednesday that showed Alabama to be within the storm's path, NBC News reported. 

The map Trump displayed was the same as a model produced by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration last week showing the hurricane's projected path cutting through central Florida— with one key difference. Where the original projection ended, a smaller, black circle that appeared to be drawn in Sharpie was produced to include Alabama in the model. 

"I know that Alabama was in the original forecast, they thought it would get a piece of it," Trump said. "We have a better map ... in all cases Alabama was hit, if not lightly in some cases pretty hard. They gave it a 95 percent chance." 

Asked about the discrepancies with the original map, Trump said: "I don't know. I don't know." 

The White House and National Weather Service did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the map from NBC News. 

Disseminating "knowingly" false weather reports is against federal law.

Here is the original NOAA projection:

[[559389261, C, 560, 459]]

A 50-year-old mother of five from New Canaan has been missing for more than three weeks. Her estranged husband and his girlfriend have been arrested in connection to her disappearance and both pleaded not guilty.

Here is a look at a timeline of events on the investigation into Jennifer Dulos's disappearance.

On Friday, May 24, Jennifer Dulos dropped her children off at the New Canaan Country School. After that, police said she missed multiple appointments before friends reported her missing around 7 p.m.

Later that day, officers said they found her abandoned black SUV on Lapham Road by Waveny Park.

By Wednesday, May 29, the search for the missing mother intensified at the popular park in New Canaan. That day, officers said they were treating this as a missing person case, while also launching a criminal investigation to determine if Jennifer had been the victim of foul play.

Jennifer's close friend and family spokesperson Carrie Luft spoke with NBC Connecticut and said, "The children are safe and they are doing well given the circumstances. They, of course, miss their mother incredibly."

On Thursday, May 30, six days after Jennifer vanished, police said the search expanded across the state line to a property in Pound Ridge, New York.

NBC Connecticut also obtained court documents from the divorce case of Jennifer and her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos.

In the initial 2017 affidavit, she wrote she was “terrified for (her) family’s safety” and said her “husband has a history of controlling, volatile and delusional behavior.”

But in a court filing from his attorney, Fotis denied those allegations. And the day before being served with divorce papers in June of 2017, he called 911 with his own concerns.

“I’m worried about my wife and kids because they left to go to New York and I haven’t been able to get in touch with them,” Fotis said in a 911 call.

Jennifer moved from their shared home in Farmington to New Canaan around the same time she filed for divorce.

On Friday, May 31, authorities put out a new missing person poster. Officers continued seeking tips from people driving by Waveny Park in New Canaan.

“If you happen to remember anything, just call our tip line. It’s all anonymous,” police said.

By Friday afternoon, state police confirmed the search for clues moved to multiple locations in Hartford including on Milford Street, Albany Avenue, Homestead Avenue and Sigourney Street.

Then on Saturday, June 1, New Canaan Police said they were securing search warrants in their criminal investigation.

On Sunday, June 2, New Canaan Police Chief Leon Krolikowski announced Fotis and Michelle Troconis had been arrested in Avon on Saturday night around 11 p.m.

Fotis and Troconis are each facing charges including tampering with or fabricating physical evidence and hindering prosecution in the first degree, according to authorities.

Both appeared in court on Monday, June 3 and bond was set at $500,000.  If they post bond, they will be subject to GPS monitoring and will be required to turn in their passports.

They have also been ordered to have no contact with each other, with Jennifer or her family.

Troconis has surrendered her passport and posted bond Monday. She was seen leaving court with a GPS monitoring device on her ankle.

On Tuesday, June 4, state police were at the Materials Innovation Recycling Authority (MIRA), a trash facility in Hartford, in connection with Jennifer's disappearance. A source with knowledge of the investigation told NBC Connecticut that state police contacted MIRA on Friday about a garbage truck that made a collection on Tuesday, May 28.

Also on Tuesday, Jennifer's mother, Gloria Farber, filed a motion in court for custody of the children. At a status hearing Wednesday, there were no changes made in custody. 

On Wednesday, June 5, police executed search warrants properties owned by Fotis, including his home on Jefferson Crossing in Farmington and a property at 61 Sturburdge Hill Road in New Canaan.

On Thursday, June 6, the attorney representing Fotis in the divorce and custody dispute filed a motion to withdraw from the case.

The motion, filed Thursday by attorney Micheal Rose, states that considerations other than compensation will prevent the firm from continuing to represent Fotis.

Also on Thursday, Michelle Troconis and her attorney met with investigators.

Officers said both the missing person and criminal investigations are active and dynamic.

As the criminal investigation progresses, authorities said additional criminal charges are expected.

Jennifer has not been located and the search for her is ongoing, police added.

On Friday, June 7, state police were back at Fotis's home on Jefferson Crossing in Farmington. NBC Connecticut crew saw a silver BMW matching the description of the one Troconis and her attorney were seen in at the home.

Also on Friday night, Fotis hired prominent lawyer Norm Pattis to handle his case.

On Saturday, June 8, troopers continued to search for evidence related to Jennifer's disappearance at MIRA in Hartford. A source tells NBC Connecticut that troopers are specifically looking for evidence that might have been picked up by a garbage truck and shredded inside the facility days after Jennifer disappeared.

Also on Saturday, an employee at MIRA told NBC Connecticut that some of the clues related to Jennifer's disappearance may have been burned before police had the chance to search the facility.

Fotis Dulos and Troconis appeared in court on Tuesday, June 11 and both entered not guilty pleas. Later in the day, Fotis Dulos walked out of court in an orange jumpsuit after posting bond. An NBC Connecticut crew witnessed Fotis return to his Jefferson Crossing neighborhood in Farmington. 

The same night, Jennifer Dulos' family released a new statement reminding the public not to lose sight of the "human cost" of the case, and asking anyone with information to contact investigators.

On Wednesday, June 12, police said the state police dive team is searching a body of water on Old Farms Road in Avon in connection with the investigation. New Canaan police said state police are still at MIRA in Hartford as they search for evidence related to the disappearance of Jennifer.

On Friday, June 14, police started searching a body of water at Fisher Meadows on Old Farm Road in Avon. They also continue to search at MIRA, the trash facility in Hartford.  

On Monday, June 24, state police ended their search at the MIRA trash facility in Hartford.

On Wednesdsay, June 26, Fotis Dulos appeared in court at a custody hearing for the children. The same day, he made his first public comments ina brief statement outside court.

On Friday, June 28, Michelle Troconis was granted permission to leave the state of Connecticut for a two-week period. A judge also ruled to keep in place a "no contact" order barring Fotis or any of his team from contacting Troconis.

On Tuesday, July 2, Fotis Dulos sat down for an exclusive interview with NBC where he maintained his innocence and said he never wished ill of his estranged wife.

On Wednesday, July 3, Connecticut State Police K9s and a dive team were involved in the search of MDC Reservoir #3 which is the large body of water that sits near the MDC water treatment facilities in West Hartford.

On Thursday, July 25, a court granted Jennifer's mother temporary custody of the couple's five children. She is seeking sole custody of her grandchildren.

On Wednesday, September 4, Fotis Dulos was arrested by Connecticut State Police on additional hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence charges.

Bridgeport police are trying to identify several persons of interest in a deadly shooting investigation.

Police said 41-year-old Jose Perez-Ortiz was killed in a shooting on Noble Avenue and Shelton Street on September 1. The shooting was captured on surveillance footage which shows the victim trying to stab another man, according to police. That man then drew and fired a gun at the victim.

Investigators are looking to identify the people in the video above. Anyone with information should contact Detective Heanue at 203-581-5242.

U.S. intelligence and federal law enforcement officials met Wednesday with top tech companies to discuss coordinating and planning for potential interference in the 2020 election, according to people familiar with the meeting, NBC News reports.

The meeting included officials from the Office of the Director of National Intelligence, the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security, as well as executives from Facebook, Google, Twitter and Microsoft, these people said. The meeting is being held at Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, California, according to the people, who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to speak publicly. 

The meeting comes five months before the first 2020 votes are cast in the Democratic primary and 14 months before the November election. 

The government agencies and companies are expected at 7 p.m. ET to release statements and more details about the meeting, the people familiar with it said.

DNI, FBI and DHS did not respond to requests for comment.

Go. Ned Lamont along with other school leaders came together for the grand opening ceremony of Hamden High STEAM Academy and a celebration of a new initiative to prepare students for life outside high school.

HECA is a collaborative initiative of Hamden Public Schools, Gateway Community College, and the New Haven Manufacturing Association where students will not only learn valuable workforce skills, but they have the chance to earn industry certifications of an associate degree concurrently with their high school diplomas.

The state of Connecticut provided initial program funding for the project.

The first cohort of HECA students has already begun preliminary classwork, and will be in attendance at the ceremony. Other state and local officials, leaders form the business community and from higher education will also be in attendance. The program is for students who live in Hamden but leaders are hoping to expand in the future.

Elijah Diggs is participating in the academy and says it’s the perfect program to prepare for life beyond Hamden High.

“This program will help me be able to find a career in the future,” said Diggs. “I like engineering and I also like math and now I’ll have the opportunity to develop both those skills and prepare for the workforce.”

Diggs, along with other students, is getting a chance to learn the ins and outs of science, technology, engineering and math.

Even Diggs’ mother wants in on the action.

“At my age, I’m like do you think they’ll take parents in this program, I want to sign up,” said Lonnette Diggs. “For my son to have an opportunity where he knows that he’s interested in this career path is a win-win situation.”

As part of HECA, students will have the opportunity to earn industry certifications.

After leaving Hamden High, HECA students can move right into the workforce or continue their education with up to two years of college credit already earned and paid for. The goal is to cut half the cost of a four-year degree for students and their families.

Daniel Cocchiola is the coordinator of Counseling and Career Pathways at Hamden Public Schools.

“I think this may be a model that other schools may see as a valuable there,” said Cocchiola. “Some kids are going to get the associates degree, I hope they all do.”

Cocchiola says it’s a great opportunity for kids but the workload is rigorous.

“This program requires high-end math skills, it requires calculus in high school, it requires 31 high school credits and 68 college credits,” said Cocchiola. “It’s a marathon and it’s a hard one where kids are going to have to push through.”

HECA skill development will focus on manufacturing engineering, an area of great need in the Connecticut workforce.

Hartford’s Democratic primary is next Tuesday, with three candidates vying to run Connecticut’s capital city. However, the race slipped the minds of some local residents.

“Honestly, I knew about it but I forgot, so I guess it wasn’t at the top of the list,” said Ray Shaw, who lives in downtown Hartford.

“I think I knew vaguely, but I really haven’t been following it closely,” added resident Susan Shea.

Shea said she doesn’t have plans to vote. Neither does Bobbie Edwards.

“I do care but people don’t stick to their word,” said Edwards.

Voter apathy appears to be strong ahead of the primary. Current mayor Luke Bronin, former mayor Eddie Perez, and four-term state legislator Brandon McGee are running for the nomination.

Secretary of the State Denise Merrill said even in a contested primary race like Hartford’s she only expects a 20-30 percent voter turnout. Compare that to the last presidential election that saw 75 percent of voters turn up at the polls statewide.

“There’s a big drop off for local races,” she pointed out.

“You’ve got to get in front of people and you’ve got to get the message out,” said McGee.

But, even some who’ve heard the message say they plan to sit this election out.

“It is important, it just hasn’t captured my attention for some reason,” said Shea.

“That’s too bad because you know honestly at the local level is where you really do have a voice,” Merrill said.

The candidates know this and say they are focused on the people who have a pattern of voting in primaries.

“We know who those voters are and those are the voters we all concentrate on,” Perez said.

“We’re trying everything we can to make sure we get our message out every way we can,” added Bronin.

Whether voting or not, everyone seems to have an opinion about what needs to be fixed in Hartford.

“The crime rate is still really high for me,” said Rochelle Lesure.

While some major crime rates are down, the homicide rate in Hartford is going in the wrong direction. In 2016, the year Mayor Luke Bronin took office, there were 12 homicides in the capital city. The murder rate has grown since then, with 19 so far this year, tying the total for 2017.

“We’ve been recruiting aggressively. We’ve included more than 100 police officers,” said Bronin.

One of his opponents, four-term state lawmaker Brandon McGee, says poverty needs to be addressed which talking about crime in the capital city.

“We have a problem in our city, and we have to get to the bottom of it and just throwing money at it is not going to do it,” said McGee.

Former Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez has his own criminal past. He pled guilty to corruption charges, including receiving bribes in 2017. He doesn’t believe his history has hurt his chances.

“I know that Hartford is a city of opportunity and second chances and that’s what I’ve asked for,” said Perez.

As he goes door to door, Perez said he’s reminding residents of what he did for the city during his three terms as mayor and what he can do again.

“I know what Hartford needs and I know how to get it there,” said Perez.

What Hartford needs, say some residents, is more to do.

“I would like to see more retail downtown,” said Shea.

“I live down here and I would like to see more people come down here and enjoy the city,” Shaw added.

Perez said the city needs to market itself from the inside.

“It’s not bringing residents. It’s really helping the existing residents in each and every neighborhood,” he said.

“I can see a change in the city with the cleanliness and things like that, day to day life, I noticed that downtown is a lot more up and coming than it has been in the last few years,” said Lesure.

McGee believes that when it comes to economic development, for too long the focus has been on downtown.

“Many of our residents have been left behind or out of the conversation,” McGee.

However, Bronin says the downtown is part of a long-range economic plan to grow the entire city.

“I think for the first time in a long time we’ve got a path, we’ve got a plan, a little bit of momentum and we’ve got to work hard to keep it going,” said Bronin.

Click myvote.ct.gov/register to register to vote and myvote.ct.gov/lookup to look up your voter registration.

You must register with a party to vote in a primary. You have until noon on Monday to change your registration from unaffiliated to the party running the primary in your town or city.

If you wish to change your affiliation from one party to another there is a three-month waiting period before you are entitled to party privileges. So, those voters won’t be able to change their affiliation in time to vote in Tuesday’s primary.

A retired Hartford firefighter was kicked out of his Newington gym for good after letting town officials know about what he believed was a safety hazard for him and other gym members.

“We live in an age of ‘see something say something,’ but don’t do it with Big Sky, because you’re going to get consequences,” Walsh told NBC Connecticut in an exclusive interview.

Walsh, who lives in West Hartford, was surprised when he walked into the Newington gym for a regular workout a couple months ago and saw a renovation scene in the middle of the gym.

“I had to walk around what’s called a scissor lift,” Walsh explained, “I went around the lift to get to the equipment to work out, and I actually had to stop to let another lift drive by me through the equipment.”

Walsh pulled out his phone and took videos of what he saw.

As a retired firefighter of 20 years, and having been in construction for over 15 years, Walsh said knew what he was looking at was a safety hazard.

“I know what it takes to keep a workplace safe, and I also know what happens to you if you don’t, I responded to many, many injuries due to workplace accidents,” said Walsh. “What I was witnessing was a blatant disregard for life safety by the contractors in there and whoever hired them.”

Walsh notified Newington officials and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.

After receiving his complaint, Newington Fire Chief Chris Schroeder told NBC Connecticut he inspected the gym with the town building inspector and found they did not have the proper permits for the renovations. A stop work order was issued until the permits were issued.

But, Walsh says the dangerous activity didn’t stop after that.

“Every time I went in there were people working overhead,” he said.

The fire chief said no further violations were identified, and Big Sky has an excellent record. The building inspector says they didn’t issue any citations, either.

On Wednesday, OSHA said they also inspected the gym after Walsh’s complaint and the federal agency will be citing them for violations. They cannot release any details until the gym owners are notified.

Four weeks after his complaint, Walsh said he received a letter in the mail saying his membership was terminated. The next day, Walsh says he went into the gym to ask management what the termination letters were regarding.

Walsh described the interaction, saying, “They said initially that, ‘you know what they’re about,’ and I said, ‘no, I don’t,’ and they said, ‘you called the building inspectors on us and had us shut down and you slowed down workage here,’” Walsh explained.

Now, Walsh is working out at another gym. But he feels he was punished for doing the right thing.

“I reached out to the owner to talk to him further about it, telling him my intent was not to get him in trouble but to keep everybody safe,” the retired firefighter said.

He has no regrets.

“There’s credo I live by,” added Walsh, “Risk being hated for doing and saying the right thing.”

NBC Connecticut reached out to Big Sky and was told that management is aware of the situation and has no comment.

The final countdown has begun before thousands of bike riders pack the streets of New Haven to help raise money for cancer research in the Closer to Free ride.

Brian Heatherington is joining in on the effort to help raise money for research at the Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center.

Heatherington began his Closer to Free journey four years ago and rides in honor of friends who lost their battle with cancer.

“This seemed like a bigger more kind of constructive way to draw attention to the work that Smilow Center was doing,” said Heatherington. “Once you do one, you’re going to make it a permanent thing on your calendar, it gets a little easier to get up for it each year.”

Heatherington’s close ties to Yale New Haven Hospital date back to his formative years growing up just outside of the city. He got involved in the fundraiser through his sister who works at the hospital.

This year’s list of motivation to ride is pretty long.

“One reason is one of my business partners, and the other is the sister of one of my colleagues at work, they’re both into multiple years fighting cancer,” said Heatherington.

Heatherington has two yearly traditions to look forward to each year.

The Smilow salute and meeting with his family about 3-quarters into his very long ride.

“You get to see all the patients and their care-givers, all of them greeting you and sending you off, there’s a lot of hooting and hollering by the patients which is amazing to see,” said Heatherington. “My parents, sister, friends and my wife will come out and meet me around the 75th mile and that’s an extra special little sendoff.”

Brian is a part of the Bank of America team, with a record-number of riders and volunteers set to participate.

“One of the really special parts of this ride is really the positive spirit that goes through all the participants and there’s so many riders this year,” said Heatherington. “It’s easy to do your part when you see everyone else really hustling to make it a good event.”

Heatherington has been hitting the pavement hoping to raise money for research.

“Our goal is $20,000,” said Heatherington. “Right now, I’m at $18,000 - hopefully we’ll reach our goal by Saturday.”

In preparation for his third 100-mile ride, Heatherington says he’s excited to honor the loved ones he’s lost and those still fighting each day.

“I just want to do my part, it’s just a little thing that I can do to make a little bit of you know a dent in what’s been a really terrible problem for so many people that I know,” said Heatherington.

The ride has broken all records for registered volunteers and riders, with more than 2,100 riders set to participate on Saturday morning.

"Connecticut’s Best Ride" ride benefits Smilow Cancer Hospital and Yale Cancer Center. Riders choose to take on 10, 25, 40, 65 or 100 miles on professionally designed and supported routes traveling through wooded hills and seaside vistas.

After leaving the iconic Yale Bowl after an inspiring and emotional Opening Ceremony, riders pause in front of Smilow Cancer Hospital for the Smilow Salute, where patients, doctors and nurses line the sidewalks and greet the riders to thank them.

One hundred percent of participant fundraising goes to cancer research and care, including clinical trials, survivorship programs, cancer genetics and prevention programs.

Smilow Cancer Hospital is Connecticut’s largest provider of cancer care, treating more than 45 percent of the 20,000 patients diagnosed with cancer annually in the state.

Some communities are cleaning up a mess after severe storms moved through Connecticut Wednesday.

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The storms were so strong they prompted tornado warnings in Hartford, Tolland and Windham counties.

There were reports of hail in Tolland county.

Bradley International Airport issued a ground stop as the severe weather moved through. It has since been lifted.

As of 7 p.m., Eversource is reporting 2,601 outages, the majority in Vernon, Mansfield and Enfield. Vernon police confirmed they were responding to reports of downed trees and wires, particularly in Rockville.

Viewers are reporting damage across Vernon as well as along Route 32 in Mansfield.  We are also hearing reports of damage from viewers in Southington.

These storms were unrelated to Hurricane Dorian.

Fotis Dulos, the estranged husband of missing New Canaan mother Jennifer Dulos, was arrested by Connecticut State Police Wednesday afternoon, state police said.

Dulos' lawyer confirmed to NBC New York that Dulos had been arrested and charged with tampering with evidence.

Dulos posted the $500,000 bond set, and is expected in court on Sept. 12.

His attorney, Norm Pattis, said they intend to plead not guilty to the new charges. Fotis made a brief statement to reporters as he left Connecticut State Police Troop G in Bridgeport Wednesday.

“It’s an exhausting fight. I love my children," Fotis said.

Jennifer Dulos has been missing since May 24. She was in the midst of a divorce and custody battle with Fotis at the time of her disappearance.

For weeks, the search for Jennifer has spanned the state and authorities have spent days sifting through trash at a facility Hartford after bags containing Dulos’ blood were found. Law enforcement officials said surveillance video captured two people resembling her estranged husband, Fotis Dulos and his girlfriend, Michelle Troconis, throwing out bags that ended up in the trash plant.

Fotis and Troconis were both charged with hindering prosecution and tampering with evidence. They have both pleaded not guilty.

Court documents in the case say investigators who responded to the missing person report in May found blood splatter and evidence of cleanup attempts at Jennifer’s New Canaan home.

Jennifer and Fotis’ five children have been staying with Jennifer’s mother, who was granted temporary custody by the court.

Police urge everyone with information regarding Jennifer’s disappearance to contact them. In addition to the tip line, 203-594-3544, tips and information regarding Jennifer’s disappearance can be sent to FindJenniferDulos@newcanaanct.gov and submitted anonymously at www.FindJenniferDulos.com.

One person has died after a shooting that injured four people in Hartford Sunday.

Officers said they detected a dozen gunshots on Edgewood Street just before 9:30 p.m.

According to police, one man was shot in the head, a 17-year-old boy was hit in the hand, a man in his twenties was hit in the leg and another man in his twenties was hit in the ankle.

Officials have not identified the victim who died or said what led up to the shooting.

New Haven police are investigating a double shooting Wednesday night.

Police said two male victims were shot on Ashmun Street between Foote and Webster streets.

Their conditions were not immediately clear.

More information was not immediately available.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

MCW United, a high school football co-op made up of Housatonic, Wolcott Tech and Wamogo, has an 0-29 record.

“For the past three seasons, it’s really been kind of a struggle,” said MCW United senior wide receiver Eric Hickey.

“You sweat every day and coming out every season and not one win,” said MCW United senior tackle Zachary Mallett. “Would I love to win? Yes. Is it hard to lose? Very but I still get out here and practice as hard as I can.”

This season MCW United is hoping to break the cycle with a coach who is used to breaking the mold. Jennifer Garzone is the first ever female varsity football coach in Connecticut.

“It’s exciting, it’s flattering, I’ve been trying not to focus on it as much,” said Garzone who also teaches at Wolcott Tech, coaches softball and girls basketball, drives the team bus and is a new mom.

Garzone loved football from a young age and had to wait until she was 21 years old to play in an organized competitive game. She went on to play semi-professional women’s football for 11 years.

“I still remember my first tackle. I still remember my first time getting tackled,” said Garzone.

Even though she has experience playing the game, Garzone says it’s not necessary to have played in order to be a good coach.

“It’s ironic because there are a ton of men who coach sports and they’ve never played that game either,” Garzone added.

Garzone is proud to take on this role and help break down barriers.

“This coming along for women and for sports, it’s a huge deal but it’s not the reason I’m doing it,” she said.

“Hopefully we can get our first win too and make it even more of an historic year for us," Hickey said.

Family and friends converged on Southern California to learn the fates of their loved ones after a commercial scuba boat erupted in flames off the coast near Santa Cruz Island on Labor Day. The bodies of 33 people who died in the tragedy have since been recovered and one person is still missing and presumed dead. 

Among those who lost their lives were a 41-year-old marine biologist, a 25-year-old crew member who was dedicated to the Southern California scuba community and three sisters celebrating a birthday for their father, also presumed dead.

Here are their stories.

Diana Adamic, Steve Salika and Tia Salika
Adamic died on the scuba trip along with her husband, Steve Salika and his daughter, Tia, a student at Pacific Collegiate School, a charter school in Santa Cruz. Another student from the school, Berenice Felipe, also died on the trip.

"Obviously, our hearts are with these two PCS families, and we hope and pray that they are found safe," wrote Maria C. Reitano, the head of the school. She said the school would have counselors available "who are trained to help support students, staff, parents, and our entire school community. This tragedy is sure to raise many emotions, concerns, and questions for our entire school, especially our students."

Neal Baltz
Baltz died on the scuba trip with his girlfriend, Patricia Beitzinger, said Beitzinger's niece, Hannah.

Hannah said in a Facebook message that her aunt and Baltz were perfect for each other.

Patricia Beitzinger
Beitzinger died on the scuba trip with her boyfriend, Neal Baltz, said Beitzinger's niece, Hannah.

"She's one of the coolest people I ever met," Hannah said in a Facebook message. "She was adventurous and brave and always living every day as full as she could, she was always going on these amazing trips around the world. And so goofy she has a great sense of humor and was always smiling and laughing. And Neal was the same way, they were perfect for each other and I considered him my uncle as well."

Kendra Chan
Kendra Chan was on the boat with her father, R. Scott Chan, a physics teacher at American High School in Fremont. In a Facebook post, Kendra's brother, Kevin, wrote: "Thanks for being my big sister, Kendra. I'll miss you and your love for all things outdoors and underwater. Rest easy."

Raymond Scott Chan
Raymond Scott Chan, a physics teacher in Northern California, was identified as one of the people killed in the boat fire off the coast of Santa Cruz island, according to the Fremont Unified School District. His daughter Kendra, a marine biologist in Southern California, also was aboard the Conception.

The school district tweeted, "We are saddened to report the passing of American High School Physics Teacher, Raymond (Scott) Chan, who was among the fatalities of this weekend's boat fire off the coast of Santa Barbara. We send our condolences to Mr. Chan's family and the American High School community."

Berenice Felipe
Berenice, a student at Pacific Collegiate School, a charter school in Santa Cruz, died on the scuba trip with fellow student Tia Salika and Salika's parents. 

Kristy Finstad, 41
Finstad was a diving enthusiast who was leading the dive trip as the co-owner of Worldwide Diving Adventures.

She ran the company with her husband, Dan Chua, who was leading another dive in Costa Rica when the boat Finstad was on caught fire.

Finstad's brother Brett Harmeling of Houston asked for prayers in a Facebook post.

"Thank You ALL for your unconditional love and support during this incredibly tragic time," he wrote. "My family and I truly appreciate it. "No final word on my sister Kristy; however, it is likely she has transitioned to be with the good Lord."

Daniel Garcia
Garcia, from Berkeley, worked for Apple. He was on the boat with his girlfriend, Yulia Krashennaya.

Nicole, Angela Rose, Evan and Michael Quitasol and Fernisa Sison
The Quitasol sisters were celebrating the birthday of their father Michael, who is also presumed dead, their mother Susana Rosas said on Facebook. Their stepmother, Fernisa Sison was also on board.

"It is with a broken heart ... 3 of our daughters were on this boat," she wrote on Facebook. "As of now they are still missing. My #1, Evanmichel Solano Quitasol, my #3, NicoleStorm Quitasol and my #4, Angela Rose Quitasol. My girls' dad Michel Storm Quitasol and stepmom were also on the boat."

Nicole Quitasol lived in San Diego and worked at Nicky Rottens Bar & Burger Joint in Coronado for the last four years, according to the restaurant.

"She was one of a kind. She was ahead of her time, for sure. An old soul that was just in love the outdoors, anything to do with her dog, peanut butter, anything to do with water, beaches, diving, paddle boarding — I mean, that was her life," Nicky Rottens CFO Bryn Butolph told NBC7.

Marybeth Guiney
Guiney, a sales director and ocean enthusiast who was dedicated to the protection of sharks and other sea life, was hailed by friends as an outgoing figure who always had a smile.

"She was such an inspiration, a voice to help understand and protect sharks, and shared her pictures and stories as she traveled the world," one friend wrote on Facebook. "She was endlessly energetic, optimistic and always had a smile to share. Just can't believe it. What a tragedy for so many."

Another wrote: "Her gentle and sweet nature made her a great companion ... Marybeth was 'good people.'"' Another added: "You were hysterical. You were real. I will always think about you and smile."

Alexandra Kurtz, 25
Kurtz, the only Conception crew member among the dead, had fulfilled her dream by landing a job as a deckhand on the boat, her sister Olivia Kurtz told The Associated Press.

Family described Kurtz as an energetic go-getter who was passionate about scuba diving and lived life to the fullest.

"She loved it here," her mother Cherie McDonough said. "She loved the boat. She loved diving."

She also loved exploring nature in the ocean and had been embraced by Southern California's tight-knit diving community.

Charles McIlvain
McIlvain, according to his Facebook page, worked as a visual effects designer for Walt Disney Imagineering.

His wife, filmmaker Jasmine Lord, was not with him on the Conception dive boat. Her online posts indicated she was working over the weekend in Miami — in advance of Hurricane Dorian.

After receiving news of the deadly fire, McIlvain's friends poured out their hearts online, calling him one of "the kindest, funniest people you'll ever meet."

"Anyone who knew Charles 'Chuck' McIlvain would know how full of life he was, how contagious his laugh and his smile was and what a warm soul he had," another friend wrote.

Neighbors of the pair in Santa Monica said that Guiney would often go on dive trips with McIlvain and his wife. Of McIlvain, one neighbor told the station: "He's the kind of guy who's always happy — 8 o'clock in the morning, he's happy. Comes home from work at 7, he's happy."

The Malibu Divers dive shop posted on its Facebook page: "All of us are devastated by the Conception dive boat tragedy. We'd like to honor Charles McIlvain and Marybeth Guiney by asking you to tell a story about a dive adventure or (anecdote) you had with them. Please share, I know it will help us all."

Editor's note: This video in this story has been removed as it incorrectly identified a victim. 

Clinging onto her mother's hand, Princess Charlotte arrived for her first day of school with her older brother Prince George leading the way Thursday, NBC News reported.

The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William and the former Kate Middleton, accompanied the youngsters dressed up in navy and red school uniforms to begin a new year at Thomas's Battersea, a private school in a posh London neighborhood just a few miles from Kensington Palace.

Charlotte was smiling as she quickly stepped away from Kate to shake hands with Helen Haslem, who oversees the first two grade levels at the school. She didn't take her mother's hand again and instead walked in front of her to walk through the school doors alone.

The 4-year-old, the great-granddaughter of Queen Elizabeth II, wore a sweater, skirt and black Mary Jane shoes with white socks. She fidgeted a bit, twirling her fingers through her long neat ponytail.

Enfield police have made an arrest in the murder of a 79-year-old Enfield woman and the suspect is the victim’s grandson.

Anthony Ward, 35, of Enfield, has been charged with the murder of 79-year-old Frances Battagler, who was found dead at 47 Second Ave. in Enfield on Aug. 20, according to police.

Investigators said it appeared that Battagler had been bludgeoned and the office of the chief medical examiner determined that she died of blunt head trauma.

According to police, Ward sent a letter to a family member, which led authorities to the house for a well-being check.

“It was prompted actually by a letter that had been written. The recipient of the letter brought that letter to the police department. That letter was reviewed by officers there and that in turn was what prompted our response to this location,” said Enfield Police Chief Alaric Fox.

Police, who previously identified Ward as a person of interest in the case, said he is the victim's grandson.

Days after Battagler was found dead, Ward was involved in a car crash in her 2013 Toyota Corolla in Wethersfield. The car had been reported stolen.

Bond for Ward has been set at $1 million and he will be arraigned today.

Hurricane Dorian is heading up the southeast coast of the United States after devastating the Bahamas. Track the storm’s expected path and forecasts of possible rainfall and storm surge by looking at the maps below.

Click here for the latest information on Dorian from the National Hurricane Center.