NEW BRITAIN -- Police have arrested a third person in connection with the search for the suspect in the Monday homicide of a Alice Marie Figueroa.
Friday afternoon, police arrested Sharod A. Pipkin, 29, of Putnam and charged him with Hindering Prosecution Interfering with an Officer,Criminal Possession of Ammunition and Possession of Marijuana less than ½ ounce. He was held on $300,000 bond and will be arraigned Monday. Police said Pipkin allegedly helped New Britain homicide suspect Benjamin Morales who is wanted for murder in connection with the murder of his estranged girlfriend this Monday night.
New Britain police, Putnam police and State Police arrested Pipkin at his restaruant on Kennedy Drive. The arrest warrant was issued for Pipkin as he was alleged to have provided aid and assistance to New Britain homicide suspect Benjamin Morales who is a fugitive wanted for murder. The New Britain Police Department currently holds an arrest warrant for Morales for the murder of his estranged girlfriend this past Monday night.
Police said, "While serving the arrest warrant, Pipkin attempted to flee and was apprehended without incident after a brief foot pursuit. A search of his person revealed Pipkin had been in possession of a small amount of marijuana and the vehicle he was observed operating contained handgun ammunition. Pipkin a convicted felon, is prohibited by law from possessing ammunition in Connecticut."
Thursday, police served arrest warrants on Odalys Morales, 18, and Ramon Morales, 48, in connection with the homicide Monday.
Police say Odalys and Ramon are related to Benjamin, and believe the two misled police and/or provided assistance to Benjamin.
The two allegedly "provided aid" to Morales according to New Britain Police Deputy Chief Jeanette Portalatin.
"If anyone is assisting or helping Mr. Morales out, we will be seeking criminal charges," Deputy Chief Portalatin said, "Mr. Morales, we know he's watching right now and his best option is to turn himself in. We don't want to see anyone else get hurt."
Odalys was charged with interfering and held overnight on a $100,00 bond, and Ramon was charged with interfering and hindering prosecution. He was held on a $250,000 bond. They are expected in court Friday.
New Britain Police confirm Virgen Maria Figueroa, a woman they had believed to be with a murder suspect, was found alive Friday morning.
Acting Chief of Police, Chris Chute, said Virgen Maria Figueroa had been reported missing from New Britain and she was believed to be with the wanted homicide suspect, Benjamin Morales. Police also say they were romantically involved.
Benjamin Morales, the suspect in the murder of Alice Marie Figueroa Monday night, was not found.
Family members tell FOX 61 there is no relation between Virgen Maria Figueroa and Alice Marie Figueroa.
The family issued a statement:
I First Want to Start By Thanking The New Britain Police for all their hard work and dedication in Alice's Case I'm aware that there are some individuals under arrest who they believe know about Mr.Morales I am Not Happy that these individuals are in there and not the man we want but I know that is a process that we have to go thru to get to Morales all I want is justice to be served for Alice she didn't deserve what happened to her I also want to Thank everyone for all their donations and prayers and support in this time of sorrow the family is going thru . Our Family just want closure so that Alice can Rest In Peace we Are Asking The Public If they know something Or see him to please Contact the police immediately and Do not approach this man he is armed and Dangerous. Thank you again to all those who have tipped the authorities and sharing his picture
Police said Virgen Maria Figueroa’s family has posted on social media and while police believe the two are together, there’s no indication of whether this was a kidnapping or if she went with him by choice.
Thursday, police served arrest warrants on Odalys Morales, 18, and Ramon Morales, 48, in connection with the homicide Monday.
Police say Odalys and Ramon are related to Benjamin, and believe the two misled police and/or provided assistance to Benjamin.
The two allegedly "provided aid" to Morales according to New Britain Police Deputy Chief Jeanette Portalatin.
"If anyone is assisting or helping Mr. Morales out, we will be seeking criminal charges," Deputy Chief Portalatin said, "Mr. Morales, we know he's watching right now and his best option is to turn himself in. We don't want to see anyone else get hurt."
Odalys was charged with interfering and held overnight on a $100,00 bond, and Ramon was charged with interfering and hindering prosecution. He was held on a $250,000 bond. They are expected in court Friday.
New Britain believe that Benjamin Morales may be driving an early model red Subaru Forester . The car is not registered, and he may be driving it with a misuse license plate.
Police say they believe Benjamin Morales may still be in the Hartford area, particularly the South End.
Police reiterated that Morales is considered "armed and dangerous."