FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Hartford, CT) - Sharmese L. Walcott, Hartford State’s Attorney, today announced that a jury has found Anthony Cruz, 31, of Hartford, guilty of multiple charges stemming from a September 10, 2019 shooting on Zion Street in Hartford.
A Superior Court jury on April 12, 2022, found Cruz guilty of Assault in the First Degree with a Firearm in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-59(a)(5), Criminal Possession of a Firearm in violation of Connecticut General Statutes §53a-217, Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit in violation of Connecticut General Statutes §29-35, and Criminal Use of a Firearm in violation of Connecticut General Statutes §53a-216.
The evidence presented at trial in Hartford Superior Court showed that Cruz and two other men chased the victim into a residence on Zion Street, where they proceeded to beat him. When the victim began to defend himself from his attackers, the defendant shot him three times, causing life-threatening injuries. Testimony at trial included evidence from the victim, residents of Zion Street, members of the Hartford Police Department, emergency medical personnel, and members of the Connecticut Forensic Science Laboratory.
Cruz faces 40 years in prison when he is sentenced on July 14, 2022.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State's Attorney Emily D. Trudeau.