New Haven Man, 42, Gets 45 Years for 2023 Fatal Shootings of Jonathan Garcia, Marquis McNeil Sr.: Court

NEW HAVEN, CT — Cadell Harris, 43, of New Haven, was sentenced to serve 45 years in prison for the fatal shootings of Marquis McNeil Sr., 40, and Jonathan Garcia, 27, both of New Haven, on April 1, 2023, New Haven Judicial District State’s Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr., announced.

Harris pleaded guilty in New Haven Superior Court in June to two counts of murder and criminal possession of a firearm, court records show.

As reported, on April 1, 2023 at 7:55 a.m., nine rounds of gunfire woke Winthrop Avenue and Goffe Street-area neighbors, leading to numerous 911 calls to police, a New Haven police spokesperson said at the time.

When cops arrived, they found two gunshot victims in a parked Acura MDX mid-block on Winthrop Avenue.

According to Doyle, "McNeil, who was in the driver’s seat, was pronounced deceased at the scene. Garcia, a passenger in the car, was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased," Doyle said. "The murder weapon was found near the vehicle."

According to Doyle, surveillance cameras in the neighborhood, including several owned by the City of New Haven and private individuals, recorded the defendant walking in the area after the shootings.

"The footage shows Harris exiting the rear of the vehicle immediately after both victims were shot and then attempting to leave the area," Doyle said. "When questioned by police, Harris was uncooperative and belligerent, ultimately requiring physical restraint."

Court records show Harris was on parole at the time for a previous criminal possession of a firearm charge, and Doyle said he was on the deadly weapon offender registry.

In a news release, Doyle noted that the McNeil and Garcia families were present at the sentencing hearing, and there, Harris "apologized to both families for his actions. Harris stated in court that he was friends with the victims, 'So for me it’s difficult too. I wasn’t in my right state of mind, you know what I mean? I want you to know I sincerely, genuinely, wholeheartedly apologize for my actions.'"

Doyle noted his "deep appreciation to the families and friends of Marquis McNeil Sr. and Jonathan Garcia."

"Their unwavering presence at every court date, along with their courage and commitment in seeing this case through, has been truly remarkable," he said. "We are grateful for their strength and dedication."

From the news release:

The case was investigated by the New Haven Police Department with Detective Matthew Stevens as lead detective and prosecuted by State’s Attorney Doyle and Assistant State’s Attorneys Dean Hanafin and Thomas J. Finnucan, who were assisted by Inspectors Kevin Grenier and Alphonso Vazquez and Paralegal Specialist Rosa I. Vasquez.

State’s Attorney Doyle credits the work of the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner and the Division of Scientific Services within the Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection, particularly the Firearm and DNA analysis sections, as well as the New Haven Office of Adult Probation.