Double Murder Suspect Surrenders to Bloomfield Police

The suspect in a double murder in Bloomfield turned himself in to police on Thursday morning.

Russell Smith, of Windsor, surrendered to Bloomfield police and U.S. marshals, according to the Department of Justice.

Smith was wanted in connection with the killings of two brothers outside a Bloomfield Restaurant on February 20.

Bloomfield police identified Smith as a suspect days after the shooting and have been searching for him for months.

According to police, Smith shot and killed Aaron Walker, of Windsor, and Franklin Spencer, of East Hartford, outside Elizabeth's Bar and Restaurant.

On Monday, the U.S. Marshals Service announced a $5,000 reward for information leading to Smith's arrest. Authorities said they were contacted by Smith's friends after the reward announcement on his behalf to arrange his surrender.

Trent LaLima, an attorney for Smith, released a statement after his client's arrest:

"Today, Russell Smith voluntarily and peacefully surrendered to Bloomfield police. Mr. Smith has long been aware of the often unfair and unequal treatment of Black men by our criminal justice system, an issue many people have recognized only recently. However, he is confident that the facts of his case, once brought to light, will vindicate him," LaLima said.

Smith is facing two counts of murder and is being held on a court set bond of $5 million.

Earlier this week, police arrested a woman accused of providing financial assistance to Smith while he was wanted by police. Shakela Holley was charged with four counts of hindering prosecution in the second degree.