BRIDGEPORT, CT -- On a warm summer evening about seven months ago, gunshots boomed out over the city's Mill Hill neighborhood. People sitting down to dinner dropped their plates and took cover.
Near his home on Pixlee Place, a 27-year-old man lay dying from bullets allegedly fired by a onetime friend.
Bleeding from his wounds, Pablo Aquino was rushed to Bridgeport Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Neighborhood children played on bicycles at dusk and police cordoned off the crime scene less than 100 yards from Hall School.
Within days, investigators named a suspect in Aquino's death: 36-year-old Jose Miguel Torres. He was at large and authorities warned that he could be armed and dangerous.
Early Tuesday morning, Torres' run from the law ended in New York City as he was captured by U.S. Marshals.
"Detectives did outstanding work on this case and quickly identified Torres as the killer," said Police Chief Joseph L. Gaudett Jr. "I want to thank the U.S. Marshals for their support. They are such important partners for us and our community."
After extradition, Torres is expected to return to Connecticut soon to be charged in a killing that Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch called particularly senseless.
"I hope the arrest brings some measure of comfort to Pablo's family," Finch said. "Nothing will bring him back, but it is so important that people who commit violence in our neighborhoods be held accountable."
The day after Aquino's death last year, Julio Bermudez recalled memories of the man he regarded as his best friend.
"We did everything together. We'd picnic, we'd swim together, chill together, cry together, eat together."
Torres had been living on Prince Street, just behind Aquino's home. Bermudez said Torres had also been their friend. But something changed before the evening of July 24, when an argument broke out and Aquino was killed.
Friends remembered Aquino as a humble man who was often seen at the baseball field where his son played in the Bridgeport Caribe Youth League.
Staff Writer Wes Duplantier contributed to this report.
He also tended horses at the Fairfield County Hunting Club in Westport.
About two dozen friends around the slain man's stoop on Pixlee Place the day after his death to remember him. Beatrice Ramos, the fiancee Aquino left behind, said that he was a good man.
As an evangelist began reading prayers in Spanish, Ramos stood up from her place atop the steps and walked to the center of the mourners, her wailing the only sound breaking the silence between Bible verses.
"Papi, I love you," she screamed between sobs. "I need you, Pablo."
A group of friends, neighbors and relatives closed in around her, each extending a hand toward her to comfort her as she cried out.
Copyright 2014 - Connecticut Post, Bridgeport
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
