A 19-year-old man was shot to death in the Hill Friday night, becoming the city’s seventh homicide victim this year.
Robert Cirino, of New Haven, was shot in the chest and leg, according to police spokesman Officer Dave Hartman.
Police got calls reporting gunfire at 11:05 p.m. Friday at Frank and West streets. Cops and EMS workers arrived “moments later” and found Cirino suffering from gunshot wounds. He was taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital and was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival to the ER.
Witnesses told police the triggerman walked up to the porch where Cimino was sitting, exchanged “brief and unheated” words, then “pulled a gun and fired four shots, at least two of which struck Mr. Cirino.” The killer was not seen arriving or fleeing in any vehicle.
The killing took place in the same spot where 19-year-old Nathan Richardson was gunned down on Friday, May 4.
Police ask anyone with information about this incident to call 203 – 946-6304 or the Tips Line at 203 – 946-6296 to speak with a detective. Calls may be made anonymously.
Man Dies In Minivan Blaze
A Ford minivan exploded into flames early Sunday, killing a 33-year-old man.
According to Hartman:
Police and firefighters arrived at 1:41 a.m. to 125 Lexington Ave. to find a Ford Windstar “fully engulfed in flames.”
“Neighbors had tried getting the van’s operator out of the vehicle, but couldn’t get close enough due to the intense heat from the flames.” The van had been running just before it exploded, according to initial reports police received.
Firefighters doused the flames on the van and a nearby house, which received minor damage. They were unable to save the man in the car, Jerrod Vasquez, who lives at 125 Lexington. Vasquez’s wife was home at the time her husband died. She was taken to the hospital for what looked like an “emotional breakdown.”
The fire appears to have started in the engine compartment, Hartman said. Police, firefighters and the state fire marshal’s office are investigating.
