Arrest Made In Connection With Windsor Locks Homicide Case

WINDSOR LOCKS, CT — A suspect wanted in connection with a shooting death in Pesci Park last month is still at large, but police have arrested a woman who is said to have been with the suspect at the time of the slaying, and who is also believed to have intentionally obstructed police efforts to capture the man.

Acting on a tip, police were able to track 19-year-old Sydney Witchard to West Columbia, South Carolina, where she was apprehended as a fugitive. She waived extradition and arrangements are being made to facilitate her transportation back to Connecticut, where she will be charged with second-degree hindering prosecution. Her bond will be set at $45,000, Lt. Paul Cherniack said.

Daniel Phillip Baez of Hartford is wanted for the June 24 shooting homicide of Elijah Ortega, an unarmed 16-year-old. Investigation has been ongoing, Cherniack said.

Witchard helped facilitate the meeting between Baez and Ortega at the park, and her behavior and activity prior to and after the shooting suggests she intentionally obstructed police efforts to locate and capture Baez. Her vehicle was used to transport Baez to and from the scene, and was found near Baez's home within hours of the shooting by Windsor Locks detectives. Cell phone evidence has corroborated Witchard’s actions, Cherniack said.

After securing an arrest warrant, detectives contacted the Lexington County Sheriff’s Office requesting Witchard be apprehended for her role in the killing. A fugitive task force located her and took her into custody without inciden, Cherniack said.

Baez remains at large, and the pistol used in the shooting has not been recovered. Police have obtained an arrest warrant charging Baez with murder, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal use of a firearm and carrying a pistol without permit. Upon his capture, Baez will be held on a $1 million bond, Cherniack said.

Anyone with information about this active investigation is asked to contact the Windsor Locks Police Department at 860-627-1461.

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