Hartford Man Sentenced to Eight Years in Prison After Shooting 16-Year-Old Girlfriend During FaceTime Call
HARTFORD, CONNECTICUT — A 19-year-old Hartford man has been sentenced to eight years in prison after shooting his 16-year-old girlfriend in the head while she was on a FaceTime call with a friend, according to prosecutors. The shooting occurred in September 2024 and left the teen critically injured. She survived after extensive medical treatment.
Sentence Handed Down as Part of Plea Deal
Prosecutors said Jayzon Gunter, 19, of Hartford, received an eight-year prison sentence as part of a plea agreement. The sentence also includes three years of probation following his release. As part of the deal, Gunter pleaded guilty to attempted first-degree assault, attempted third-degree strangulation, and violating a protective order. Several other charges, including attempted murder, were dropped under the agreement.
Shooting Happened During Late-Night Argument
Investigators said the shooting happened shortly after 12:30 a.m. on Sept. 17, 2024, at a home on Lenox Street in Hartford. Police said the teenage victim was on a FaceTime call with a friend when Gunter entered the room. Witnesses told investigators that the couple argued, and Gunter allegedly wrapped a phone charger around the girl’s neck, causing redness and swelling.
Gun Fired as Friend Watched on FaceTime
According to police, people inside the home later heard a loud bang and ran into the room, where they found the teen on the floor, bleeding from a gunshot wound and unable to speak. A friend who was on FaceTime with the victim told police she saw a man enter the room, point a gun at the girl’s head, and then heard the shot.
Teen Underwent Emergency Surgery and Survived
Paramedics rushed the girl to Connecticut Children’s Medical Center, where she underwent emergency surgery. She was initially listed in critical but stable condition and was later placed into a medically induced coma, according to reports. Authorities confirmed that the teen survived her injuries.
Case Highlights Domestic Violence Warning Signs
Prosecutors noted that the incident involved prior conflict, physical assault, and a violation of a protective order, elements commonly seen in domestic violence cases involving young victims.
The case underscores the importance of early intervention, protective orders, and reporting warning signs before situations escalate into life-threatening violence. What are your thoughts on plea deals in serious assault cases involving minors? Share your perspective and follow ongoing national crime coverage at NapervilleLocal.com.
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