MERIDEN, CT (WFSB) -
Police in Meriden are investigating a double homicide that was reported Tuesday night.
Police were called to the intersection of Crown and Olive streets shortly after 10 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting in the area.
When Meriden officers arrived, they said they found two men lying on the ground. Both were suffering from gunshot wounds.
The men have been identified as Anthony Anderson, 25, and Melvin Silva, 30.
Anderson was a father of three and Silva had celebrated his 30th birthday just two days ago. Both knew each other and were friends.
Now, two makeshift memorials stand just feet apart as another symbol of what's turned out to be a very violent year in Meriden.
"Somebody came out and shot one, and then shot the other," said Nilsa Vasquez, Silva's aunt.
Both of the families said they saw the lights and heard the sirens, but never thought this would hit so close to home.
"I felt like I was drowning," said Cary Foster, Anderson's aunt. "It was so surreal."
Police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information to call them at 203-630-6318.
Despite a dramatic rise on the murder rate, city officials said overall crime is down.
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