Accident – death – Obituary News :

Second Suspect Charged in Quadruple Shooting During Attempted Robbery in Hartford

Authorities have arrested and charged a second suspect in connection with a quadruple shooting that occurred during an attempted robbery in a Maple Avenue apartment in Hartford. The incident, which took place over the summer, resulted in the death of a teenager and one of the suspects.

Elixir Orta, a 29-year-old resident of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, was extradited to Connecticut on Monday and is facing several charges, including criminal attempt to commit murder, felony murder, home invasion, conspiracy to commit a home invasion, first-degree unlawful restraint, risk of injury to a child, first-degree assault, and criminal liability. The Hartford Police Department confirmed Orta’s arrest and stated that he was held on a $3.5 million bond. Orta was scheduled to appear in Hartford Superior Court on Tuesday for arraignment. Prior to his extradition, Orta had been held as a fugitive from justice after probation officers located him in Pennsylvania.

The arrest of Orta marks the second individual charged in connection with the attempted robbery that occurred on July 15 in a Maple Avenue apartment. Authorities believe that Orta, along with Carlos Frank-Nieves, aged 34, and Joseph Vargas-Mercado, aged 25, both residents of Philadelphia, were involved in the robbery plot that turned deadly when gunfire erupted among multiple individuals in the apartment located at 541 Maple Ave. Police later discovered a firearm with an obliterated serial number, a significant amount of cash, and a cash counting machine at the scene.

The incident came to the attention of law enforcement when they received a report of a female being shot at the apartment around 3:36 p.m. Alondra Vega-Martinez, a 17-year-old victim, was found inside the apartment with gunshot wounds. She was immediately rushed to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, where she remained in critical condition for three days before succumbing to her injuries. The loss of Vega-Martinez deeply saddened the community and prompted activists and educators to call for greater collaboration in protecting youth from violence.

During the police’s response to the Maple Avenue apartment, they also received a report of a vehicle crashing at the intersection of Maple Avenue and Benton Street. One of the vehicle’s passengers had suffered multiple gunshot wounds and was transported to Hartford Hospital for medical treatment. Fortunately, the victim has since been released from the hospital.

Shortly after the shooting was reported, officers were dispatched to 165 Wethersfield Ave. following a report of two men with gunshot wounds being dropped off in the area. Police quickly located the individuals and transported them to Hartford Hospital. Unfortunately, one of the men, identified as Joseph Vargas-Mercado, was pronounced dead at the hospital. The other man remains in critical condition.

Carlos Frank-Nieves was charged by police one day after the shooting, and his case is currently pending in Hartford Superior Court. He faces charges of felony murder, criminal attempt to commit murder, home invasion, conspiracy to commit a home invasion, first-degree unlawful restraint, risk of injury to a child, impersonating a police officer, and criminal possession of a firearm.

Alondra Vega-Martinez, a student at Bulkeley High School, was remembered as a determined and passionate volleyball player. She was also recognized as a leader who inspired her teammates to give their best efforts both on and off the court. Adaeze T. Merah, head coach of the Bulkeley High School’s girls volleyball team, spoke highly of Vega-Martinez’s skills and character.

In a statement released by the Hartford Public School District, Vega-Martinez was described as a talented photographer, artist, and athlete. Known for wearing the number 13 jersey on the volleyball court, she was considered one of the team’s star athletes.

The community mourns the loss of Alondra Vega-Martinez and hopes that justice will prevail as the legal proceedings against the suspects continue.

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