Hartford Man Charged With Murder For 2025 Fatal Shooting: Police

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford man has been accused of shooting and killing a 44-year-old man in the city last September.

According to the Hartford Police Department, on Thursday afternoon, Omar Cancel, 22, of 12 Vine St., Hartford, was charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, first-degree assault, conspiracy to commit first-degree assault, carrying a pistol without a permit, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and second-degree larceny.

Police said he is being held on $1.5 million bond pending an appearance in Hartford Superior Court.

According to the HPD, on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025, at approximately 8:52 p.m., patrol officers responded to the area of 131 Brook St. following a ShotSpotter activation.

"Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from gunshot wounds," police wrote in a statement Thursday afternoon. "The victim was immediately transported to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced deceased."

Police have identified the victim as Dwight Watson, 44, of Hartford.

Police said a second adult male was later self-transported to the hospital with a gunshot wound at the time of the shooting.

That man was treated and released for non-life-threatening injuries, and it was determined that he was also shot on Brook Street, police said.

The Hartford Police Major Crimes Division and Crime Scene Division responded and assumed control of the investigation.

"As a result of the investigation, suspect information was developed, and an arrest warrant was obtained and signed by a judge of the Superior Court," wrote police.

On Wednesday, Feb. 4, the suspect was located by members of the Hartford Police Violent Crimes Unit, Fugitive Task Force, and Auto Theft Unit.

Police said he was taken into custody and transported to the Hartford Police Detention Facility for processing.

This investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Hartford Police Tip Line at 860-722-TIPS (8477).

For information on the case, click on this link.