On a Sunday morning in Meriden, Connecticut, the life of 32-year-old Hispanic male Francisco J. Huertas was tragically cut short. On August 11, 2019, while outside a residence on Allen Avenue, Huertas was fatally shot. Neighbors reported hearing gunshots and seeing a man on the ground in front of the house. It is believed that Huertas was working on a truck when he was approached by two individuals.
When police arrived at the scene around 11:42 a.m., they discovered Huertas on the front lawn, having been shot multiple times.
Known to his loved ones as "Macho," Francisco Huertas was born in Caguas, Puerto Rico, on August 6, 1987. He was a husband and a father, who was remembered for his contagious smile and his love for writing, art, and music. He worked for Black Bear Concrete in Massachusetts and was deeply committed to the unity and love of his family, living by the motto "Family Over Everything."
In the wake of the shooting, the Meriden Police Department's Major Crimes Division launched an intensive investigation into what they described as a "violent and brazen crime." Detectives requested that residents in the surrounding area provide any home security footage from the morning of the incident that might lead to a suspect. Despite their efforts and the countless hours dedicated to the case, no arrests have been made in connection with the death of Francisco Huertas.
The investigation remains active, and authorities continue to seek new leads to bring justice to Huertas and his family. To encourage individuals with information to come forward, Governor Ned Lamont authorized a $50,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the homicide. The Meriden Police Department has urged the public not to underestimate the significance of any information they may possess, as even a small detail could be the key to solving the case.
