Convict Charged in West Hartford Burglary Spree

A man suspected of breaking into several homes in West Hartford in a single day has a long criminal history, including convictions for past burglaries in Hartford and West Hartford, police said.

Joseph “Willie” Joiner, 55, of Springfield, Massachusetts, is accused of nine burglaries in West Hartford between the night of June 18 and June 19 as residents were sleeping.

Police said he broke into several homes along the Farmington Avenue corridor by cutting holes in screens and climbing through windows or entering homes through unlocked doors.

DNA left behind at a crime scene linked him to the crimes, police said.

Investigators say DNA links the same suspect to at least 10 break-ins, some while unsuspecting homeowners slept.

Joiner has an extensive criminal history, going back to 1975, and was convicted of 20 counts of second-degree burglary in West Hartford, 30 counts of second-degree burglary in Hartford and for armed assault in a dwelling in Massachusetts, police said.

Joiner has been charged with third-degree burglary and third-degree criminal mischief for the recent cases. He was held on a $50,000 bond and is due in court today.

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