HARTFORD, Conn — The family of a man found dead in Pope Park in Hartford revisited the location where his body was found Monday, the one year anniversary of its discovery. The family wants to bring attention to what, they say, is a crisis of addiction, suicide and homelessness.
Pope Park is a popular and beautiful place to visit. Donated by Hartford industrialist Col. Albert Pope and originally designed by Frederick Law Olmstead. It has a pool, a playground, a recreation center and offers a great location to view the colorful leaves in the fall. But if you look a little closer, it’s also home to some of Hartford’s challenges including an increasing homeless population and a tent city that sometimes harbors secrets.
“He’s unforgettable,” said Victoria Emmons of Farmington. One year ago Monday, Victoria Emmons' brother Matthew’s body was found dead inside a makeshift tent at Pope Park in Hartford. “Every day I have to carry that and think about how my brother was found dead in a tent. Never in my life did I ever think that would be the outcome,” said Victoria.
The police report details how Matthew, who was 27, died of an “accidental overdose” and “acute fentanyl and cocaine intoxication”. The report describes how his tent in Pope Park was “littered with drug paraphernalia…”
Seeking more answers, “I don’t know how he ended up here of all places,” said Victoria, she hired a private investigator. Now armed with new evidence, police have reopened the case. “People need to be held accountable for certain actions. I’m not saying my brother was murdered but certain things could have been handled better,” explained Victoria.
A Freedom of Information Act request revealed that over several years, nearly a dozen bodies have been discovered inside Pope Park. “I think that’s the most concerning thing for me is that there were six bodies found here at this park within the last year,” stated Victoria.
That includes Hartford’s recent Nov. 9 murder of a 17 year old. His body was found wrapped in a comforter in nearby Pope Park West. “I know how that feels to have your loved one gone in an instant,” said Victoria.
And though Matthew may be gone, his sister is committed to making sure he’s not forgotten and that the unanswered questions that still surround his death are put to rest. “I don’t want my brother to die in vain,” said Victoria. “We have such a crisis with mental health and addiction. I’m in recovery myself. It’s been a journey.”
According to a new report, Connecticut is dealing with a 13% rise in homelessness statewide over the last year and while drug overdose deaths are down thanks to more widespread use of NARCAN, opioid use is higher than ever.
“Overdoses are up but shootings are down, which is good,” said Rev. Henry Brown of Mother’s United Against Violence. “People are getting involved which is great. But I think the most important factor here is that finally city hall is getting involved,” said Rev. Brown.
If there is a silver lining it’s that violent crime in Hartford is down, by a lot. There has been a more than 50% drop in the murder rate from this same time last year. It’s a success story that FOX62 will be exploring in the days ahead.
Matt Caron is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at mcaron@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
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