Suspect charged in connection with deadly Meriden shooting

MERIDEN, CT (WFSB) – A man was killed, a woman was hurt, and a suspect was arrested in connection with a shooting that happened in Meriden on March 20.

Police said the shooting happened on West Main Street near Lewis Avenue.

The suspect in the shooting was identified as 33-year-old Warren Watson.

On Monday, police said they charged Watson with murder, first-degree assault, criminal possession of a firearm, and criminal use of a firearm.

Watson was found in a parked vehicle on Grove Street. Police said he too had a gunshot wound.

Officers responded to the West Main Street scene around 6 p.m. on March 20. They said they found a man, identified as 30-year-old Shawn Mojica, and a woman with gunshot wounds. Both were inside a parked vehicle. A handgun was also found inside.

“Both victims had apparent gunshot wounds, and medical assistance was dispatched immediately,” Meriden police said.

Mojica was taken to the hospital where he later died, police said.

The female victim was expected to pull through. She was treated at the hospital.

“Based upon our initial investigation thus far, we believe that all parties involved in this incident were known to each other. They have all been located, and there is no further danger to community members as a result of this incident,” police continued.

Police said they sought search warrants for an apartment on Grove Street and multiple vehicles.

A search of the apartment led to the discovery of a handgun.

Watson was treated and released from a hospital.

He was arrested and transported to the Meriden Police Department where he was initially charged with operating a motor vehicle under suspension. A $25,000 bond was set.

Watson, who was on probation at the time and has a very lengthy criminal history, was also charged with five counts of violation of probation. Tuesday morning, he was held on an additional $500,000 bond as each count of violation of probation had a $100,000 bond.

He now faces the upgraded charges for murder and firearms violations.

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