In the summer of 2015, a burst of daylight violence in Hartford claimed the life of 32-year-old Daniel Sampel, a Black male. On the evening of July 9th, Sampel was found on New Park Avenue, having been shot multiple times. He was rushed to Hartford Hospital but ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The brazen nature of the shooting, occurring in a busy area during the day, drew immediate and significant police attention.
Witnesses at the scene reported seeing a suspect flee into a nearby
building, prompting a swift response from law enforcement. Officers surrounded several businesses and homes in their search, but the individual managed to evade capture. The Hartford Police Department's Major Crimes Division and the Shooting Task Force canvassed the area, hoping that the numerous businesses would yield surveillance footage that could help identify the person responsible for Sampel's death. They appealed to the public for any information, emphasizing that a witness could be the key to solving the case.
For several months, the investigation continued without a named suspect. Then, in January 2016, a break in the case came to light. Authorities announced the arrest of 29-year-old Sergio Martinez in connection with the murder. At the time of his arrest on murder and firearms charges, Martinez was already incarcerated in New York State on unrelated matters.
