HARTFORD, Conn. — The family of Hartford’s most recent homicide victim is speaking out about his life and his death.
Hartford has logged over two dozen homicides so far this year, but there have been more than 90 shooting incidents in the city.
Simon Griffin, 33, was killed on Laurel Street on Thursday at 9 p.m.
PREVIOUS COVERAGE: 1 dead, 1 injured in Hartford shooting: Police
“It does seem to be targeted. The individuals knew each other for sure,” said Lt. Aaron Boisvert.
It’s Hartford’s 25th homicide of the year, but behind that number are names and faces.
“That’s my baby brother,” said Karen Griffin, Simon’s sister.
She spoke exclusively to FOX61 about her brother: “One day when I have a son, I’m going to name him Simon Peter because that’s how much I loved his spirit.”
Simon lived in the apartment building at 252 Laurel Street. A friend was visiting him when all of a sudden gunshots rang out. Simon was shot and killed. His friend survived to call 911.
“He just texted me that he was in the house. So this is where it happened. Somebody got into the building,” said Karen Griffin.
Hartford police executed a search warrant to try and find weapons or surveillance video that may lead them to the killer. So far, there haven't been any arrests.
“But life will do that. Life does that. Nothing goes uncovered,” said Karen Griffin.
In a statement, Hartford City Council Majority Leader TJ Clarke told FOX61,
“We must find solutions that move toward increasing a quality of life that’s deserving for our residents. I would hope that a meeting can be convened that includes elected officials, the police department and community partners and others to discuss additional strategies to decrease these types of crimes.”
In the months ahead, city leaders will be bringing stakeholders to the table to form a group called "H-VIT," otherwise known as The Hartford Violence Intervention Task Force.
"Unfortunately the city itself is going down," Karen Griffin added, then said, "Growing up there was violence but nothing like you see today."
For now, a family is grieving without answers.
“His wonderful generous spirit. He was hated by a few but many love him. Many loved Simon Peter. He would give the shirt off his back,” recalled Karen Griffin.
As for the second shooting victim who called 911, FOX61 learned he had surgery last night and is still in the hospital fighting for his life.
Matt Caron is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at mcaron@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
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