Police Make Arrest in Hartford Double Homicide

Police have charged a Hartford man with the murder of a young man and woman who were shot and killed just before 10:30 p.m. on Monday and said the shooting was related to emotional circumstances.

Joseph Silva, 20, of Hartford, is accused of killing Joshua Cortez, 22, of Hartford, and Alysha Ocasio, 23, of Newington and police said he was an acquaintance of both victims.

He has been charged with two counts of murder, unlawful discharge and altering or removing identification marks on a firearm. 

Police responded to Campfield Avenue and Cowles Street when the shot spotter went off at 10:24 p.m. on Monday and found Cortez, who was shot in the back of the head. Ocasio was shot in the stomacj and police found her in a car a few feet away.

Cortez was pronounced dead at the scene and Ocasio was pronounced dead at Hartford Hospital.

The grieving family members said the couple had a young daughter.

Bond for Silva was set at $3 million and his arraignment is today.

A post on the Mothers United Against Violence Facebook page says a candlelight vigil will be held at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at 380 Campfield Ave.

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