HARTFORD, Conn. — Hartford Police are investigating a homicide early Tuesday afternoon, officials said.
The death happened in the 200 block of Capen Street near Enfield Street outside a small market in a largely residential area. The shooting was recorded on Shot Spotter at 12:12 p.m.
"Daylight, it’s getting more brazen now. Before it used to be drive-bys, maybe you know in the nighttime and things like that now it can happen at any time and anywhere," said Rev. Henry Brown with Mothers United Against Violence.
Police said Michael Starks, 29, of Hartford, was the victim of the shooting. Patrol units responded immediately and found the man who was unresponsive, and suffered from a gunshot wound he was immediately taken to an area hospital he was pronounced dead.
"He was a good kid," said Mark Brown, of Hartford. "I see him every day, I know him. I joke with him and everything," he said.
Brown was one of the people who came outside to find a crime scene. In his case, he also learned the victim, was someone he knew.
"I never seen him fighting, they all get along well. But that’s real hurting to see that this had to happen," he said.
Officials said that major crimes detectives were on the scene and assumed the investigation. They said there was a pretty large crime scene that extends out into the street and they are looking at physical and video evidence
It is the fifth homicide in the city in 2023.
"We call it the yellow tape syndrome, where our kids are seeing people lying in the streets, bodies in the street. They see blood in the streets. It’s nothing new," said Henry.
He said the warmer weather seems to signal an uptick in violence.
"We see this all the time. It’s not surprising. Warm weather, kids out of school, beautiful. Then all of a sudden, gunshots. Typical," Henry said.
Over the last four years, Hartford crime statistics show a slightly larger increase in homicides during the six warmer months of the year, than the six colder months.
From the beginning of April to the end of September there was an average of 16 homicides. Compared to the time frame of October to March which saw an average of 13.
"Everybody don’t need guns. Particularly people who don’t have a license. Running rampant in the streets and killing people," said Henry.
Hartford Police are asking anyone with information on Tuesday's homicide to call them. They have an anonymous tip line at 860-722-TIPS (8477)
Doug Stewart is the Senior Digital Content Producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dstewart@fox61.com.
Gaby Molina is a reporter and anchor at FOX61 News. She can be reached at mmolina@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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