Family members speak out after ‘targeted’ overnight shooting leaves 2 brothers dead

HARTFORD, CT (WFSB) - Two brothers were killed in what Hartford police described as a “targeted” overnight shooting.

Police identified the victims as 20-year-old Cesar Deaza-Escobar and 19-year-old Jonas Deaza-Escobar.

It happened at a multi-family home on Barker Street around 1 a.m. on Wednesday.

Hartford police Lt. Aaron Boisvert spoke to the media at 5 a.m. and confirmed the two victims were brothers.

“I keep saying it, but this is a targeted attack,” Boisvert said. “This was, we believe, somebody who entered this home and committed this crime.”

Police confirmed that they believe the suspect broke into the rear of the multi-family home.

The victims were found in the apartment with multiple gunshot wounds.

A suspect description was not immediately available.

Family members are devastated as they try to comprehend this loss.

A group of people were gathered celebrating Cesar’s birthday.

“Nobody in the world should be taken out like that. Period,” said Jay, a cousin of the victims.

Jay said that a group was gathered at the apartment, celebrating Cesar’s birthday.

“That’s the type of world that we live in. cold. Yeah, it was in my face,” said Jay.

“It’s hard. It’s really hard you know. Gotta see your older cousins die like this, go out like that, that’s not how they should have been. They had a long life to live, they just started growing up. We all just started growing up,” said Kae, a cousin of the brothers.

There have now been 38 homicides in Hartford so far this year, numbers the capital city hasn’t seen since the 90s.

Thirty-four homicides took place in Hartford in 2021.

“A lot of these there’s no rhyme or reason. It’s not something that you can prepare for, it’s not something that you can put officers there. We can’t be in an apartment, we can’t be in a hotel room, it’s just we’re getting these random personal disputes. There’s no way to predict them,” said Boisvert.

Police said they are combing through cameras and talking to witnesses.

Family of the victims are holding a vigil Wednesday night at 6 p.m. on Baker Street.

This is a developing story. Stay with Channel 3 for Updates.

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