On a cold January evening in Hartford, Connecticut, the life of Kwadir Paris, a 27-year-old Black male, was tragically cut short. On January 4, 2020, in what was later described as a senseless act of violence, Paris was shot multiple times in front of a residence on Martin Street. In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, his mother attempted a desperate rush to the hospital, but their car crashed at the intersection of Albany Avenue and Vine Street.
When police responded to the crash, they discovered Paris inside, suffering from gunshot wounds. He was transported to Saint Francis Hospital, but succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into the city's first homicide of the year led Hartford police to identify a suspect. Yamil Rohena, then 24, was arrested later that same month. He was charged with murder, criminal possession of a firearm, and criminal use of a firearm. The case against him was built upon compelling evidence, including video footage from city and private surveillance cameras. This footage captured the moments of the shooting and showed the assailant fleeing the scene. In addition to the video evidence, witnesses came forward and identified Rohena as the individual who shot Paris six times.
After his arrest, Yamil Rohena was held on a $1 million bond. His case proceeded through the justice system, culminating in a trial. In January 2024, a Superior Court jury found Rohena guilty of murder. In a separate proceeding, a judge also found him guilty of criminal possession of a firearm and violation of probation stemming from a prior conviction. On April 23, 2024, Rohena, then 28, was sentenced to serve 45 years in prison for the murder of Kwadir Paris. During the sentencing, the judge remarked on the senseless nature of the crime and the profound impact of gun violence on the Hartford community and its families.
