Dozens joined together in the capital city Wednesday night to remember one of Hartford's latest homicide victims and embrace another family torn apart by violence.
Candles lit the night at a vigil outside the South Prospect Street home of 32-year-old William Prieto. The Hartford father left behind an unborn child, a son and a 10-year-old daughter, Zormaris.
"I really miss him. I really miss him," said Zormaris. "I wanted him to be here for me. He always said he would be here for me, and he couldn't."
The victim's brother, stunned by the loss, is asking why.
"Whoever killed my brother, I just want to know who it is. Why? I need answers," said Jose Torres.
Prieto was sitting on his porch just before midnight Tuesday when a gunman fired several shots and fled, according to police. The victim's pregnant girlfriend was also outside and witnessed the murder.
"He didn't want to die. He loved me and my brother," said Zormaris.
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Family members said that despite troubles in the past, Prieto managed to turn his life around and tried to help others.
"He came out in a positive way," said Torres.
Just eight hours after Prieto's brutal death, violence took another life in Hartford.
Desmond Wright, 32, was walking down Pershing Street when he was shot in the head, according to police.
No arrests have been made in either case. The violence has left two families with heartache and a need for answers.
"It put a hole in our hearts. He's my little brother," said Torres. "Whoever did this, justice will be served. That's all I'm saying. You can never hide. They'll catch you."
A vigil will be held Thursday for Wright.
