Father Sought In 'Horrific' Murder Of Baby Girl In Naugatuck: Police

NAUGATUCK, CT — Local and state police and FBI officials are searching for a Naugatuck father accused of murdering his 11-month-old daughter Friday morning, according to police.

During a press conference, Naugatuck Police Chief Colin McAllister said officers were still searching for homicide suspect Christopher Francisquini, 31, of Naugatuck, as of 10:30 a.m. Monday.

Describing the crime as "horrific and gruesome," McAllister said the incident is "one of the most difficult and trying cases" the department has ever investigated.

Police obtained an arrest warrant over the weekend charging Francisquini with murder with special circumstances and risk of injury to a child.

See also: 1-Year Old Dead, Homicide Suspect Sought: Naugatuck Police

According to McAllister, the baby was identified as Camilla Francisquini, the biological daughter of Francisquini who lived at the Millville Avenue home where the crime occurred.

Her cause of death has been ruled as homicide caused by "neck compressions, as well as stab wounds," McAllister said.

Camilla's body "in a state of dismemberment" when they arrived at the home around 11:30 a.m. Friday, McAllister said.

Police quickly identified Francisquini as a suspect. He is described by police as 6-foot and 230-pounds.

Police said the suspect's vehicle, a 2006 Chevrolet Impala, was located abandoned on Interstate 91 around exit 8 in New Haven on Friday afternoon.

Around 4 p.m. Friday, Francisquini was spotted by several witnesses and later seen in surveillance photos walking along Quinnipiac Avenue in New Haven, McAllister said. Naugatuck police continued to search the New Haven area Saturday along with state police and FBI investigators.

"Francisquini is considered armed and dangerous at this time," McAllister said. "We caution the public about approaching him."

Francisquini has an extensive criminal history dating back 10 years that includes felonies and misdemeanor crimes and is currently out on almost $375,000 bond. He also has a history of violent offenses, McAllister said.

He was on special parole at the time of the murder and was wearing a court-ordered tracking device that was cut off shortly after the incident occurred, McAllister said.

Anyone with information about Francisquini's current location is asked to contact Naugatuck police or call 911 immediately.

"If anyone out there is providing aid, assisting or helping hide Francisquini, you yourself are not safe," McAllister said. "This suspect has shown a predisposition to violence...we need you to contact law enforcement immediately if you have any information on Francisquini's whereabouts. You are not safe."

McAllister also urged Francisquini to turn himself in immediately.

"We will not rest until we take you into custody," McAllister said. "We will be putting forth every effort to locate and apprehend this suspect and bring him to justice. This is an unconscionable act. This is a heinous crime."

McAllister emphasized the FBI will be assisting Naugatuck police in their efforts to arrest Francisquini and is prepared to offer a reward of up to $10,000 for info leading to his arrest and conviction.

"If you are trying to flee or elude law enforcement outside of the jurisdictional boundaries of Connecticut, we will capture you," McAllister said. "We have the full support of our federal partners."

McAllister also offered condolences to the Francisquini family and said the department and the Naugatuck community was grieving with them.

"This is something that tears the very fabric of our community, losing somebody so young who hasn't even had an opportunity to start their life yet," McAllister said. "The death of anyone is tragic, but in these circumstances, this is something that affects Naugatuck as a community as a whole...we will not rest until Francisquini is brought to justice."