(New Haven, CT) - New Haven Judicial District State’s Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr. today announced that The Honorable Tracey Lee Dayton on September 3, 2026 sentenced Cadell Harris, age 43, of New Haven, to serve 45 years in prison for the fatal shootings of Marquis McNeil Sr., age 40, and Jonathan Garcia, age 27, both of New Haven, on April 1, 2023.
Harris pleaded guilty in Superior Court in New Haven on June 22, 2026, to two counts of Murder, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a‑54a, and to Criminal Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a‑217(a)(1). He was sentenced to 45 years in prison for each count of murder, and an additional 10 years for the firearms charge, all to be served concurrently.
On April 1, 2023 at 7:55 a.m., police officers responded to the area of Winthrop Avenue and Goffe Street after receiving multiple emergency-911 calls and a ShotSpotter notification. At the scene, police found both victims in a parked vehicle. McNeil, who was in the driver’s seat, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Garcia, a passenger in the car, was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital where he was pronounced deceased. The murder weapon was found near the vehicle.
Surveillance cameras in the neighborhood, including several owned by the City of New Haven and private individuals, recorded the defendant walking in the area after the shootings. The footage shows Harris exiting the rear of the vehicle immediately after both victims were shot and then attempting to leave the area. When questioned by police, Harris was uncooperative and belligerent, ultimately requiring physical restraint.
Harris was on parole at the time for a previous criminal possession of a firearm charge and was on the deadly weapon offender registry.
The McNeil and Garcia families were present at the sentencing hearing. Harris, prior to being sentenced, apologized to both families for his actions. Harris stated in court that he was friends with the victims, "so for me it’s difficult too. I wasn’t in my right state of mind, you know what I mean? I want you to know I sincerely, genuinely, wholeheartedly apologize for my actions.”
The case was investigated by the New Haven Police Department with Detective Matthew Stevens as lead detective and prosecuted by State’s Attorney Doyle and Assistant State’s Attorneys Dean Hanafin and Thomas J. Finnucan, who were assisted by Inspectors Kevin Grenier and Alphonso Vazquez and Paralegal Specialist Rosa I. Vasquez.
State’s Attorney Doyle credits the work of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the Division of Scientific Services within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, particularly the Firearm and DNA analysis sections, as well as the New Haven Office of Adult Probation.
"On behalf of the New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, I want to express my deep appreciation to the families and friends of Marquis McNeil Sr. and Jonathan Garcia,” State’s Attorney Doyle said. “Their unwavering presence at every court date, along with their courage and commitment in seeing this case through, has been truly remarkable. We are grateful for their strength and dedication."