ROCKY HILL - In a press conference at the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney on September 30, 2025, Ansonia/Milford Judicial District State’s Attorney Margaret E. Kelley announced rewards totaling $100,000 were being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the killings of David Rivera and Carlos Omar Calderón.
State's Attorney Kelley was joined at the press conference by Chief State's Attorney Patrick J. Griffin, Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Howard S. Stein, Inspector Warren “Butch” Hyatt, Connecticut State Police and family members of the victims.
On May 30, 2024, at approximately 4:10 a.m., Oxford firefighters responded to a vehicle fire on Roosevelt Drive in Oxford, Connecticut State Police Sergeant Rodney Valdes told the media present at the morning press conference. After extinguishing the flames, firefighters found the bodies of 36-year-old David Rivera and 39-year-old Carlos Omar Calderón, both of Hartford, inside the vehicle. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later ruled both deaths as homicides, Sgt. Valdes said.
State’s Attorney Kelley said for more than a year, the families of the victims have waited in anguish.
“They’ve had to endure unimaginable loss,” said State’s Attorney Kelley. “They’ve missed birthdays, holidays, and milestones — all without answers.”
Despite diligent investigative efforts, the murders of Mr. Rivera and Mr. Calderon remain unsolved, State's Attorney Kelley said. In the hope of continuing to move the investigation forward, State's Attorney Kelley said Gov. Ned Lamont authorized two rewards not exceeding the amount of $50,000 in each case to any individual providing information leading to the arrest and conviction of their killer or killers.
Mr. Rivera, a father of two, had been with his brother just hours before his death. Mr. Calderón also was a father. Both men had no known ties to the Oxford area, raising further questions about the circumstances that led to their deaths.
Family members, including Rivera’s daughter, parents, and siblings, were present at the press conference. Their strength and patience were acknowledged by officials, who emphasized the complexity and sensitivity of the investigation.
“This case has deeply affected not only the families of David and Carlos, but also the broader community,” said Chief State’s Attorney Griffin. “These were calculated, premeditated homicides. Two young fathers were taken from their families in a heinous act of violence.”
Sgt. Valdes and Lieutenant Colonel Christopher Fongemie stressed the importance of public cooperation.
Lt. Col. Fongemie, who serves as Commander of Field Operations for the Connecticut State Police, praised the tireless work of the Western District Major Crime Squad and emphasized the importance of community involvement.
“Our detectives have shown unwavering dedication in pursuing justice for the Rivera and Calderón families,” he said. “But we cannot do this alone. We are asking the public to come forward with any information — no matter how small it may seem. It could be the key to solving this case.”
Investigators are asking anyone with information about this case to contact Connecticut State Police Detective Kevin Roberts at 203-267-2200, ext. 2227 or Kevin.Roberts2@ct.gov.
Family members of David Rivera also addressed the media. His mother, Carmen Rivera, stood before the cameras and made a plea to the public.
“I just want justice for David and Omar,” she said. “We need closure. If anyone knows anything, please come forward.”
William Mendoza, David’s uncle, echoed her plea. “We come to you as a grieving family. We’ve been waiting for over a year, and we need your help. This team has worked hard, but we need the community to stand with us.”
The Western District Major Crime Squad continues to lead the investigation, working closely with the Ansonia-Milford State’s Attorney’s Office and the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney.
“This is an active and ongoing case,” Chief State’s Attorney Griffin said. “We are working this case. I commend the work of the Western District Major Crime Squad. The investigators have put tremendous work into this case. They've combined their efforts with the Ansonia-Milford State’s Attorney’s Office and our office and we're going to do our very best to try to bring the individual or individuals who committed these heinous acts to justice."
In closing, State’s Attorney Kelley lauded the collaborative work of all of the investigators and made a final plea to the public for their help in solving the case.
“This is about justice,” State’s Attorney Kelley said. “Justice for David. Justice for Carlos. And peace for the families who have suffered for far too long.”
Press release about the reward can be viewed here. The press conference was widely covered by news outlets across Connecticut. Their coverage is here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here, here and here.
