Hartford Police Identify Victims in Deadly Sunday Morning Shooting on Franklin Avenue
October 20, 2025 | Hartford, CT — Hartford police have identified the two victims fatally shot in a tragic early morning incident that unfolded Sunday on Franklin Avenue. The victims have been named as Cynthia Jiminez-Pacheco, 33, and Joel Martinez, 32. Both individuals were discovered in the rear stairwell of a multi-family home, the latest in a troubling series of violent episodes to rock the capital city.
According to the Hartford Police Department, officers were dispatched to the area shortly after 5:00 a.m. following reports of gunfire. Upon arrival at the residence, located near the intersection of Franklin Avenue and [insert cross street if known], officers located the two victims with gunshot wounds in the stairwell at the back of the building.
Cynthia Jiminez-Pacheco, who sustained multiple gunshot wounds, was still alive when first responders arrived. She was rushed to a local hospital but succumbed to her injuries shortly after. Joel Martinez was pronounced deceased at the scene, having suffered fatal injuries before emergency crews could intervene.
As of Monday morning, investigators are continuing to work around the clock to piece together what led to the deadly shooting. Detectives canvassed the area, interviewed residents, and reviewed surveillance footage from nearby properties. No suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made at this time.
Lt. Aaron Boisvert of the Hartford Police Department confirmed that the incident appears to be targeted, but declined to elaborate further, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
“We believe this was not a random act of violence,” Boisvert stated during a Sunday afternoon press briefing. “We are following several strong leads and are asking the public for any information that could help bring those responsible to justice.”
Cynthia Jiminez-Pacheco was described by family members as a devoted mother and a loving daughter, whose warmth and strength were felt by everyone who knew her. “She was the kind of person who lit up the room with her smile,” said her cousin, Maria Lopez. “She didn’t deserve this. None of this makes sense.”
Joel Martinez, a lifelong Hartford resident, was remembered by friends as someone who was trying to make a fresh start. “He had his struggles like everyone else, but he was working on himself,” said childhood friend Luis Rivera. “This is a tragedy.”
The multi-family home where the shooting occurred is located in a dense residential section of the South End, an area known for its tight-knit immigrant communities and cultural diversity. In the wake of the shooting, neighbors expressed shock and fear, with many calling for increased police presence and more community-based initiatives to prevent further violence.
“This is becoming all too common,” said resident Andrea Santos, who has lived on Franklin Avenue for more than 15 years. “We need more than just patrol cars — we need outreach, we need youth programs, we need hope.”
This incident marks the latest in a string of gun-related violence in Hartford this year. City officials have acknowledged the growing concern among residents and have pledged to intensify efforts to address gun violence through both law enforcement and community engagement.
Mayor Luke Bronin released a statement expressing condolences to the victims’ families and reaffirmed the city’s commitment to tackling gun violence: “We are heartbroken by the loss of two more lives to senseless violence. Our thoughts are with the families of Cynthia Jiminez-Pacheco and Joel Martinez. We will not rest until those responsible are held accountable, and we will continue our work to make every neighborhood in Hartford safe.”
Police are urging anyone with information about the shooting to come forward. Anonymous tips can be submitted by calling the Hartford Police tip line at (860) 722-TIPS or through the HPD website.
As families mourn the loss of Cynthia and Joel, the city faces yet another painful reminder of the urgent need to curb the violence that continues to plague its streets. A candlelight vigil is being planned by community members later this week in their memory, with details to be announced.
Leave a Reply