HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — A Hartford man is being held on a $2 million bond after police say he shot a 16-year-old girl early Tuesday morning.
Jayzon Gunter, 18, was charged with criminal attempt to commit murder, third-degree criminal attempt strangulation, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and carrying a pistol without a permit.
Background: 16-year-old girl in critical condition after Hartford shooting Police said they were dispatched to an undisclosed location around 12:40 a.m. Tuesday for a report of a domestic-related shooting. Officers found a 16-year-old girl with a gunshot wound. The teenager was taken to a hospital for treatment. As of Tuesday morning, police said she was listed in critical but stable condition.
According to the arrest warrant, the 16-year-old was shot inside an apartment on Lenox Street. Witnesses in the home said Gunter and the girl got into an argument, and the suspect allegedly wrapped a cord around her neck. Gunter then left the house and came back, which is when witnesses heard a “pop,” the arrest warrant stated.
The arrest warrant said the victim, referred to as Jane Doe, was found “in a bedroom, lying on her back and bleeding from her head.” It this incident happened in an apartment on Lenox Street.
Hartford Police Lt. Aaron Boisvert said the suspect and victim were dating.
A different witness was talking to the victim at the time of the incident. The warrant said “While on the ‘FaceTime’ call, Juvenile Witness #2 observed a male holding a firearm and pointing it in the direction of Doe’s head. Juvenile Witness #2 then heard a loud bang which sounded like a gunshot and observed Doe drop her cell phone.”
In court, a state’s attorney said he saw the video and called it disturbing and an attempt at an execution.
The warrant said that Gunter admitted to having a physical altercation with the victim. He claimed he only threw a phone cord at her.
Gunter is expected back in court on October 30. He is being held on $2 million bond.
Boisvert believe this violent crime was intentional.
“This wasn’t an accident, a mistake,” he said. “This was a violent act, intended to murder somebody. Young girl like that, that’s gonna pull at your heart strings, 16-year-old girl, that is emotional for everybody.”
The chief executive officer of the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence (CCADV), Meghan Scanlon, said this case is shocking.
“It is an absolute tragedy for children of this age to already be experiencing the epitome of an unhealthy, abusive relationship,” she said. “Our thoughts are with her and her family and friends as she recovers.
Scanlon said they are working on sending domestic violence advocates into schools to talk to teens about the signs of an abusive partner.
“We see the generations coming up as those that we can hopefully make some serious impact and reduce teen dating violence, community violence, all of those things are interrelated,” she said.
‘Suspicious’ letter intercepted in West Hartford The judge also issued a protective order against him. If he posts bond, he must wear a GPS-monitoring ankle bracelet and be under intensive supervision.
If you or someone you know needs help, you call the CCADV domestic violence hotline at 888-774-2900.
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