Hartford’s first homicide of 2014 occurred the evening of January 15, when multiple gunshots were heard around 85 Sumner Street. Responding officers found 33-year-old Mark McNickle in a parking lot with several gunshot wounds. Witnesses reported hearing seven to eight shots and then saw a vehicle speed away. McNickle was taken to St. Francis Hospital and pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

The Hartford Police Major Crimes Division investigated and, less than two weeks later on January 30, executed warrants at a Manchester apartment on Buckland Street. Officers found 28-year-old Deranna Fletcher and seized 98 pounds of marijuana, nearly $40,000 in cash, two firearms, and ammunition. Fletcher was arrested and charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and criminal possession of a firearm; bond was set at $2 million. The motive for McNickle’s killing remained a central question as investigators examined the seized drugs and weapons.

Did anyone in the Hartford or Manchester area see activity around 85 Sumner Street that night or have information about Fletcher or McNickle’s movements?