Victim Identified In Bridgeport Market Homicide

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Police have identified the victim of Thursday afternoon's homicide at Garcia Mini Market.

Michael John Bernardo III, 35, died in the shooting. Bernardo had ties to "the local area" and to Port Saint Lucie, Florida, police said.

"The Bridgeport Police Department offers its condolences to the family and friends of Mr. Michael Bernardo," police said in a news release.

Bridgeport police responded to Garcia Mini Market (239 Newfield Ave.) at around 12:20 p.m. Thursday.

The initial report they received was of a "disturbance" inside the market, but police got a second call at around 1:05 p.m. — this one reporting that someone had been shot in a "possible robbery."

Read more: 1 Dead In Shooting At Bridgeport Market: Police

Officers found a man — later identified as Bernardo — unresponsive inside the market, and medics pronounced him dead at the scene. Police said he "appeared to be shot to death" and classified the incident as a homicide.

Police said they identified a person who was "involved in this isolated incident" shortly after 1:05 p.m.

The Detective Bureau Homicide Squad is conducting an investigation, and anyone with information about the incident can call Det. Keith Hanson at 203-581-5243 or the Bridgeport Police Tips Line at 203-576-TIPS.