Less than 24 hours after Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra pleaded for peace in his city, he was at the scene of yet another shooting.
The mayor stopped on Barbour Street where a shooting Saturday had left one man in critical condition. Police say they have a suspect in custody.
On Friday, the mayor came out with a renewed effort to combat crime after meeting privately with police and community members.
“It just signifies that there’s much more than meeting behind closed doors that has to be done,” says Rev. Henry Brown, Mothers United Against Violence.
On Saturday, there was also a vigil for the victim of the city’s 12th homicide of the year.
Police say 23-year-old Alford Grayson died on Wednesday after being stabbed outside a store on Barbour Street, not far from today’s shooting.
“He was a good kid. He loved drums. He loved drums and we would help anybody that he would help. You know, I don’t want his dying to go in vain,” says Janice Hill, mother of Grayson.
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Frustration is growing that something more needs to be done.
At times the atmosphere was festive inside Bulkeley High School for Faith Outreach’s United with Purpose. But people came with a serious purpose: praying for the city of Hartford after the recent weeks of violence.
“We have parents that are afraid to take out their kids. We have our church that somewhat feels intimidated by what’s going on. So, we’re trying to come together and work as a team,” says Moises Brigantti, chair of Faith Outreach.
Grayson's Wednesday death was the second Hartford homicide and the third act of violence in the capital city in 24 hours. Police charged Paul Hunter, 36, with Grayson's murder, and are searching for suspects in the other incidents and several others in recent weeks.
