NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:  June 6, 2005

MAN DIES FROM INJURIES SUSTAINED DURING EARLY SATURDAY MORNING ASSAULT.

(Hartford) - Derek R. Benford, 19, of Hartford, died this morning (June 6, 2005) as a result of head injuries sustained Saturday morning after being assaulted in the area of Broad and Madison Streets.

At approximately 2 a.m. on Saturday, June 4, 2005, Hartford Police responded to a report of a serious assault at Broad and Madison Streets.  Upon arrival officers learned that the victim, while walking home from an after hours prom party was confronted by an Hispanic Male, approximately 5’10”, 200 lbs, wearing a royal blue shirt with black and white stripes and blue jeans, driving a mid 90’s Dodge Intrepid.   The suspect had brief words with the victim then punched him in the head area, after which the victim fell, striking the pavement.  Benford was taken to Hartford Hospital for treatment of life-threatening injuries and  passed away today. 

The Hartford Police Department’s Major Crimes Division responded to this scene and began an immediate investigation which is ongoing.  Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Major Crimes Division Detective Jerry Bilbo, at (860) 527-6300, extension 5239, or the HPD’s confidential tip hotline, (860) 525-GUNS. 

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Contact:   Nancy Mulroy, Public Information Officer, Hartford Police Department,  (860) 543-8746
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