In the early morning hours of April 9, 2016, a dispute inside a Waterbury, Connecticut bar tragically escalated, ending the life of 36-year-old Harry Mendoza. The night began with a physical altercation between Mendoza and a group of men at Bobby D's Bar located on Whitewood Road. The confrontation grew into a brawl, resulting in the individuals involved being removed from the establishment.
Outside in the parking lot, the conflict continued.
Mendoza was standing holding a pool cue when a man approached him. This individual, later identified by police as 20-year-old Luis Castro, fired two shots. One bullet struck Mendoza in the chest and another hit his thigh. Emergency services were called, and Mendoza was rushed to a local hospital. Despite medical efforts, he succumbed to his injuries a few hours later.
In the aftermath of the shooting, the Waterbury police quickly identified Luis Castro as the primary suspect. An arrest warrant was issued for him on charges of murder, reckless endangerment, and illegal discharge of a firearm. Authorities publicly warned that Castro was considered dangerous. It was believed that he had fled the state, with potential destinations including Puerto Rico. The investigation into the violent death of Harry Mendoza, a beloved father, son, and brother, continued as law enforcement sought information from the public to locate the suspect.
