West Haven Man Sentenced for Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash

Jair Irigoyen-Flores pleaded no contest to charges in the deaths of James and Barbara Tamborra on Route 67 in Seymour.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 4:48pm

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An extreme close-up photograph of a shattered car mirror lens reflecting a faint red light, conveying the gritty, investigative nature of a hit-and-run crime scene.The shattered remains of a car mirror lens serve as a stark reminder of the tragic consequences of a fatal hit-and-run crash.West Haven Today

A 28-year-old West Haven man, Jair Irigoyen-Flores, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for a fatal hit-and-run crash in December 2021 that killed an elderly Shelton couple, James and Barbara Tamborra, on Route 67 in Seymour. Irigoyen-Flores pleaded no contest to charges including second-degree manslaughter and evading responsibility.

Why it matters

The case highlights the devastating impact of hit-and-run crashes and the challenges prosecutors face in securing convictions without concrete evidence of impairment at the time of the incident. The Tamborra family has expressed outrage over the 12-year sentence, arguing it is 'shockingly inadequate' for the loss of their loved ones.

The details

According to prosecutors, Irigoyen-Flores had bought a one-way plane ticket to Mexico and was planning to flee the country when he was arrested two days before Christmas 2021 outside his West Haven home. Police said he had gone to work in Beacon Falls earlier that day before stopping at a liquor store on Route 67, where he allegedly consumed eight vodka 'nips' and two beers in the two hours before the fatal crash. However, prosecutors acknowledged they lacked concrete proof of his blood-alcohol level at the time of the incident.

  • On December 2021, the fatal crash occurred on Route 67 in Seymour.
  • On December 2021, Irigoyen-Flores was arrested outside his West Haven home, two days before Christmas.
  • On January 23, 2026, Irigoyen-Flores pleaded no contest to the charges.
  • On April 6, 2026, Irigoyen-Flores is scheduled to be sentenced.

The players

Jair Irigoyen-Flores

A 28-year-old West Haven man who pleaded no contest to charges including second-degree manslaughter and evading responsibility in the deaths of James and Barbara Tamborra.

James and Barbara Tamborra

An elderly Shelton couple who were killed in the December 2021 hit-and-run crash on Route 67 in Seymour.

Kenneth Tamborra

The eldest son of James and Barbara Tamborra, who has attended dozens of court dates in the case and argued the 12-year sentence is 'shockingly inadequate'.

Barry

The Supervisory Assistant State's Attorney handling the case.

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What they’re saying

“He fled the scene and left them to die in the street in Seymour. That single remorseless act created a wound that cut four generations deep in my family.”

— Kenneth Tamborra, Eldest son of James and Barbara Tamborra

“No one can bring the Tamborras back. What happened to them was a tragedy. Their family has shown strength, conviction and faith throughout this entire process and the state thanks them.”

— Barry, Supervisory Assistant State's Attorney

What’s next

The judge will decide on the final sentence for Jair Irigoyen-Flores on Monday, April 6, 2026.

The takeaway

This case highlights the devastating impact of hit-and-run crashes and the challenges prosecutors face in securing convictions without concrete evidence of impairment. It also underscores the ongoing debate around sentencing guidelines and the need to balance consistency across jurisdictions with the unique circumstances of each case.