(Hartford, CT) - Sharmese L. Walcott, Hartford Judicial District State’s Attorney, today announced that a Superior Court jury in Hartford on April 30, 2025 found Vincent Jonathan Etwaroo, age 30, of Hartford, guilty of Murder, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-54a.
According to evidence introduced at the trial, on August 20, 2018, Hartford police officers responded to a ShotSpotter notification of seven rounds of gunfire in the area of 592 Garden Street. Upon arrival, police found the victim, Randolph Paidama, age 27, of Hartford, suffering from gunshot wounds. Despite life-saving efforts made at the scene, the victim succumbed to his injuries.
Evidence showed that the victim was in a vehicle with the defendant when the two began to argue. When the vehicle arrived at the Garden Street location, both men exited the vehicle. The defendant then fired multiple gunshots at the victim and then fled the scene.
State's Attorney Walcott said, “The statewide trial team assumed this case when our office was very short-staffed and carried it through trial. The dedication and support of Hartford Police Department Sgt. Michael Rykowski, Detectives Jeffrey Pethigal and Dennis DeMatteo (now retired) and members of the Hartford Police Department were invaluable during this case and the trial team is very thankful for their assistance."
This case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Elena Palermo and Assistant State’s Attorney Kelly Davis, with the assistance of Inspector Joseph Buyak and Paralegal Specialist Kelly Randall. The Honorable Kevin C. Doyle presided over the trial.
Sentencing is scheduled for July 28, 2025, in Hartford Superior Court.