Police are investigating a deadly shooting that happened in broad daylight in New Haven Monday afternoon.
Authorities said it happened in a parking lot near George Street and Winthrop Avenue around 3:30 p.m.
A 25-year-old man was shot in the chest and later died at the hospital. He has since been identified as Christopher Santana, of New Haven.
Detectives said Santana drove a friend to the back of 730 George St. where they were approached by two men wearing masks. One of them abruptly shot Santana before running away, according to police.
Police Chief Karl Jacobson said the incident may have stemmed from an argument, possibly a robbery. Authorities have not yet identified a motive, but they believe the incident is isolated.
“It’s a tragic situation, it looks like he came here to meet somebody, something happened and he was shot in the chest,” Jacobson said.
The shooter has not yet been located, but it seems as though they knew the victim, according to police.
Mayor Justin Elicker said authorities will “work hard to find the person who took this young man’s life and bring them to justice.”
“Almost all the violence we see in the city is people who know each other or are targeting each other,” Elicker said.
On Friday, Nov. 22, another broad daylight shooting claimed the life on 16-year-old Uzziah Shell.
According to city data, murders are down. This time last year, homicides were double. But non-violence organizations like the CT Violence Intervention Program said every incident, fatal or not, has a ripple effect.
“The numbers are down with community violence, shots fired, non-fatal shootings and homicides are are all down. But, you know, no one wants to hear that when their friends are affected by community violence or their family, or even a gunshot. You know, every gunshot, again, it ripples in the community,” Executive Director Leonard Jahad said.
Anyone with information is asked to contact detectives at 203-946-6304.