Dad Suspected Of Killing Baby In Naugatuck Still On Run 2 Weeks Later

NAUGATUCK, CT — Police and FBI officials are still hunting Christopher Francisquini, a 31-year-old Naugatuck father accused of killing his 11-month-old daughter, Camilla, almost two weeks ago.

During a press conference held Thursday morning in New Haven, FBI Assistant Special Agent Michael Butsch said federal, state and local authorities are doing everything they can to find Francisquini, who is considered armed and dangerous and mentally unstable.

"Camilla was one of our own," Butsch said. "A happy, beautiful little girl whose life was taken needlessly. We are collectively deploying every resources at our disposal to find Christopher, including casting a wide net in multiple states. We will not stop until we find Christopher."

Francisquini currently faces charges of murder with special circumstances and risk of injury to a child. FBI officials recently raised a reward of $10,000 to $25,000 for info leading to his arrest and conviction.

On Nov. 18, police were called to the Millville Avenue home where Francisquini and his infant daughter, Camilla, lived with other family members.

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

When officers arrived, they found Camilla's body "in a state of dismemberment." Her cause of death was later ruled as homicide caused by "neck compressions, as well as stab wounds," according to Naugatuck Police Chief Colin McAllister.

A search for Francisquini, who is described by police as 6 foot and 230 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes, began that day. He has not been located by police as of Thursday at 10 a.m.

His vehicle, a 2006 Chevrolet Impala, was found abandoned on Interstate 91 near Exit 8 in New Haven hours after the murder. He was spotted by several witnesses in New Haven around 4 p.m. that evening, and surveillance photos showed him walking along Quinnipiac Avenue.

McAllister said investigators determined Francisquini moved throughout various areas of New Haven that evening, including the area downtown and near the New Haven Green.

Police continued to investigate throughout the New Haven area, as well as Waterbury, in an attempt to track down any associates of Francisquini and determine his last movements, McAllister said.

"Throughout the past week, including through the Thanksgiving holiday," McAllister said, "detectives, as well as our federal and state partners, have been working around the clock to track down leads and determine Francisquini's whereabouts and his movements."

McAllister and Butsch asked the public to continue forwarding tips and information about this incident and Francisquini's possible location to police, but emphasized not to approach him.

Butsch noted he may be trying to contact family, friends or acquaintances seeking assistance and may travel to places with which he is familiar. He has ties to New Haven and Waterbury, as well as New York, according to the FBI.

"He may exhibit increasingly erratic, unpredictable behaviors, and we want to ensure everyone's safety," Butsch said. "He may have also attempted to change his appearance, such as shaving his beard, cutting his hair or hiding the very distinctive tattoos on his neck and on his hands."

According to police, Francisquini has tattoos of the letters "CME" with flames on the right side of his neck, the word "Milla" with stars on his right hand and an angry clown on his left hand.

McAllister noted anyone who may be housing Francisquini might not be safe considering his history of violent offenses and could potentially face charges for harboring him.

"You are putting yourself in legal jeopardy, as well as your physical safety in jeopardy, by being in proximity to him," McAllister said.

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.

"I understand the community is angry that this offender who has shown predisposition to violence is out and continuing to commit crimes," McAllister said. "There is going to be a time and place to have that discussion with policy makers about how we can look at this, but right now we remain focused on our objective, which is the apprehension of Christopher Francisquini and bringing him to justice as soon as possible."

Butsch also made a personal appeal to Francisquini urging him to turn himself in immediately.

"Christopher, if you are listening, the search will not stop until we find you and we bring you in, however you have the power to change this," Butsch said. "You have the power to contact us and to speak with us and to turn yourself in. You can help us understand why this happened. It is your choice to make."

Anyone with information about this case is asked to contact Naugatuck police at 203-729-5221 or via the department's confidential tip line at 203-720-1010, contact the FBI at 1-800-CALL-FBI or call 911 for all emergencies.