Hartford Man Guilty Of Shooting, Killing 23-Year-Old: Authorities

HARTFORD, CT — A Hartford man has been found guilty of murder after shooting and killing a 23-year-old Hartford resident in 2019, according to state authorities.

Sharmese L. Walcott, Hartford County State’s Attorney, said Thursday a jury in Hartford Superior Court on Wednesday found Joseph Thorpe, 30, of Hartford, guilty of murder.

According to evidence at the trial, in the early morning hours of Aug. 3, 2019, the City of Hartford’s Shot Spotter system detected gunfire in an area of Farmington Avenue in Hartford, Walcott said.

Officers dispatched to the area found the victim, Roberto Vargas, 23, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds.

He was transported to the hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.

During the investigation, witnesses provided information that led to Thorpe’s arrest, according to authorities.

When questioned by police, Thorpe admitted to selling drugs to the victim that night, Walcott said.

Evidence showed the victim was shot in the back as he ran away from the defendant, she said, and the handgun the defendant used was never recovered by police.

This case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant State’s Attorney Robin D. Krawczyk, with the assistance of Inspector Joseph Buyak. Judge Carl J. Schuman presided over the trial.

Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 22, in Hartford Superior Court.

For the full announcement from the Hartford County State's Attorney's Office, click on this link.