NEWS RELEASE

For Immediate Release
Friday, January 9, 2004

HPD Makes Arrest in Coletosh Murder Case

(Hartford) - Everton Gardner, 36, of Hartford, in police custody since September 30, 2003 on charges of Criminal Attempt to Commit Murder, Assault in the First Degree, and Violation of a Protective Order, stemming from a September 28, 2003, assault incident at 53 Giddings Street, Hartford, has been charged by Hartford Police with Murder, Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit, and Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm, in connection with the September 28, 2003 homicide of Mr. Edward Coletosh, age 46, of Hartford.

The Hartford Police Department's Major Crimes and Evidentiary Services Divisions has been investigating this case since Sunday, September 28, 2003, when Hartford Police Patrol Units responded to 53 Giddings Street on a report of an assault.  Upon arrival, responding officers located Ms. Diane Gardner, age 43, and Mr. Everton Gardner, age 36 at the scene.  Ms. Gardner was suffering from several lacerations to the head and torso and Mr. Gardner was suffering from a gunshot wound to the leg.  Both were taken to Hartford Hospital for treatment of their injuries.  At the same time, during a canvass of the surrounding neighborhood by HPD Patrol Officers, the body of Mr. Edward Coletosh, age 46, of Hartford, was found suffering from a single gunshot wound to the chest.  Mr. Coletosh was pronounced dead at the scene.

Everton Gardner remains in Hartford Police custody on $1 million bond. 

Anyone with information related to this incident is asked to contact Detective Ezequiel Laureano of the Major Crimes Division at (860) 527-7300, extension 5423.

This the Hartford Police Department's Major Crimes Division's thirtieth (30) murder arrest in connection with the Forty-six (46) homicides in Hartford in 2003.

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

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