Farmington police arrested a local woman Friday in connection with the March killing of a man whose body was found in the woods behind a condominium complex, authorities said.
Cynthia Martinez, 27, faces charges including murder, unlawful discharge of a firearm, tampering with evidence and criminal use of a firearm, Lt. Matthew S. Corcoran of the Farmington Police Department said in a news release.
What investigators say
Officers discovered the victim, 29-year-old Derick William Mercado-Labonte of Bridgeport, on March 19 at about 10 a.m. in the tree line behind a condominium complex on Talcott Forest Road after being called to the area for an untimely death, Corcoran said.
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner later determined Mercado-Labonte died of a gunshot wound to the head. His death was ruled a homicide. Corcoran said investigators found the victim had suffered “multiple areas of trauma.”
"The Farmington Police Department extends its appreciation to all partnering agencies, the State Police Western District Major Crimes Unit, Office of the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Litchfield, Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, State of Connecticut Forensic Laboratory and the Meriden Police Department for their assistance in the case,"
Corcoran told reporters police would not release additional details because the investigation remains active.
Charges, custody and next steps
Martinez is being held on $3 million bond and was awaiting arraignment in Superior Court in Torrington, according to the news release. The State Police Western District Major Crimes Unit and the Office of the State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of Litchfield were listed as partners on the case.
- Victim: Derick William Mercado-Labonte, 29, of Bridgeport
- Defendant: Cynthia Martinez, 27
- Location: wooded area behind condo complex on Talcott Forest Road, Farmington
- Bond: $3 million
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Cause of death | Gunshot wound to the head (homicide) |
| Initial call | Report of an untimely death, March 19, about 10 a.m. |
The Farmington Police Department declined to provide further information while detectives continue gathering evidence. Authorities thanked multiple state and local agencies for their assistance in developing the case.
Anyone with information about the incident is typically asked to contact the Farmington Police Department; the news release did not provide a specific tip line number.
This report is based on a Farmington Police Department news release and information from the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.
