Naugatuck police: Baby girl died of neck compressions, stab wounds; suspect still at large

NAUGATUCK, CT (WFSB) - Police released more information about the search for a man they say murdered a baby last week in Naugatuck.

Christopher Francisquini, 31, will be charged with murder and risk of injury to a minor once he’s caught.

Police said Christopher Francisquini killed the baby on Millville Street in Naugatuck on Friday.

During a 10:30 a.m. news conference on Monday, police revealed that the girl victim, who was just shy of turning 1, died of neck compressions and stab wounds. They also said she had been dismembered.

They also identified the baby as Camilla Francisquini, the suspect’s daughter.

They called the case one of the most trying they’ve ever investigated.

Christopher Francisquini should be considered armed and dangerous, they said.

They said Christopher Francisquini fled the scene and ditched his car.

Officials released surveillance camera pictures from Quinnipiac Avenue in New Haven. That was around 4 p.m. on Friday.

The manhunt ran through the weekend.

Officials have not yet identified a motive.

They said he does have prior arrests. Christopher Francisquini was out on $375,000 worth of bonds for a combined five pending cases at the time of the murder.

Police found a GPS monitor they claimed was removed before 911 was called in the Naugatuck case.

“Francisquini as well as the child’s biological mother were involved in a dispute in Waterbury,” police said on Monday during their news conference. “It was during that incident that the GPS monitor was removed.”

Court records show he’s already been found guilty of first-degree assault in 2013.

Francisquini was sentenced to 10 years in jail.

He got out in June, now on special parole until 2032.

Francisquini has several other pending charges. He was supposed to be in court to face some of those charges.

Police assured they’re not resting until Francisquini is behind bars for what they say he did to his daughter Camila.

Naugatuck Police Chief Colin McAllister shared how 11-month-old Camila’s death has been affecting his officers and his community.

“This is an unconscionable act. It is a heinous crime,” said McAllister. “The death of anyone is tragic, but in these circumstances, this is something that affects Naugatuck as a community as a whole. I believe sincerely that our community is grieving with that family.”

Francisquini was most recently spotted in New Haven Friday afternoon.

Surveillance cameras caught him on Quinnipiac Avenue.

Before he was on the run, police said he was fighting with Camila’s mother in Waterbury.

It’s the latest show of his violent tendencies. Court records show he’s facing carjacking, robbery and numerous assault charges in multiple towns. That history made McAllister pivot to anyone who may be helping Francisquini hide.

“You yourself are not safe. This suspect has shown predisposition to violence and a violent, violent homicidal act. We need you to contact law enforcement immediately if you have any information on Francisquini’s whereabouts.”

The FBI, one of the many agencies helping in the investigation, is offering up to $10,000 for information leading to Francisquini.

Besides the FBI, Naugatuck Police notified other local agencies they are searching for Francisquini. Retired state police lieutenant Paul Vance says this is protocol for these types of manhunts.

“There’s a great communication system not just between local and state police, but all police departments statewide, all surrounding state police departments, local police departments, even a nationwide broadcast can be given to law enforcement across the country,” says Vance.

Francisquini was caught on security security cameras walking on Quinnipiac Street in New Haven on Friday. His car was also found near New Haven because of tips the public gave police.

Vance says those tips from the public are key to helping police find Francisquini.

Naugatuck’s Police Chief Colin McAllister asked the public on Monday for any information that could lead to the arrest of Francisquini.

“We’re appealing again to the public to try to follow this. If you see anything, if they know anything, if they think there’s even a remote chance that they may have seen Francisquini, to contact law enforcement immediately,” said McAllister.

Eyewitness News asked police about where the status of the baby’s mother, but they did not want to get into specifics.

The Connecticut Department of Children and Families said they did not have a history with the Francisquini family.

McAllister wouldn’t say if they’ve ever responded to domestic violence calls at their home.

Police obtained a warrant to charge Christopher Francisquini with murder. His bond was set at $5 million.

Anyone who sees him should give law enforcement a call.

Francisquini is considered armed and dangerous. If you see him, just call police, do not approach him.

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