Hartford Man Convicted In Cold Case Murder Of Farmington Resident: State

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford Superior Court jury last week convicted a Hartford man of kidnapping and killing a 42-year-old Farmington resident in 2010.

According to state officials, the jury on Jan. 29 found Shawn Milner, 35, of Hartford, guilty of two counts of felony murder and one count of first-degree kidnapping.

Connecticut Chief State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin announced the verdict on Wednesday, Feb. 4.

The charges stem from the kidnapping and fatal shooting of Waqas “Victor” Rehman, 42, of Farmington in 2010.

Connecticut Superior Court Judge Michael J. Gustafson presided over the trial in Hartford.

Evidence presented during the trial showed that Waqas Rehman was abducted from outside his Barbour Street business, The Smoker’s Stop, on Dec. 1, 2010.

Griffin said police received a report of the abduction.

Shortly after, a shots-fired call came from Nelson Street, a short distance from Barbour Street.

Hartford police officers then found Rehman suffering from multiple gunshot wounds, according to Griffin.

He was transported to a hospital but later died from his injuries.

The investigation that led to Milner's identification as a suspect involved the Cold Case Unit of the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney, the Hartford Police Department, and the Hartford Judicial District State’s Attorney’s Office.

DNA testing played a key role in identifying the defendant, according to Griffin.

Evidence presented at trial included Milner's DNA found inside Rehman's vehicle and on his clothing, he said.

Sentencing for Milner is scheduled for March 23 in Hartford Superior Court.

For more information on the case, click on this link.