Bridgeport Man Found Dead Behind Farmington Condo Complex, Death Ruled Homicide
Derick William Mercado-Labonte, 29, was discovered near Talcott Forest Road; Farmington police are investigating and say the incident appears isolated.
PublishedMarch 27, 2026
Police have not identified a suspect
Bridgeport Man Found Dead Behind Farmington Condo Complex, Death Ruled Homicide
Derick William Mercado-Labonte, 29, of Bridgeport, was found dead in the woods behind a condominium complex on Talcott Forest Road in Farmington on the morning of March 19, 2026. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide. No arrests had been made as of the date of this report.
Farmington police said the body was discovered around 10 a.m. in a wooded area along the wood line behind the residential complex. Mercado-Labonte appeared to have sustained multiple areas of trauma, according to police.
Police Investigation
The Farmington Police Department is leading the investigation. Officers said the incident appears to be isolated, and no public safety alert was issued for the Talcott Forest Road neighborhood.
Police have not identified a suspect, released details on the manner of death, or indicated whether they believe the victim knew his attacker. No forensic findings or witness information have been made public.
Residents with information about the case are asked to contact the Farmington Police Detective Division at (860) 675-2460.
Medical Examiner's Ruling
The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner formally ruled the manner of death a homicide following an examination of Mercado-Labonte's remains. Officials did not release specifics about the cause of death.
Homicide rulings from the medical examiner's office indicate that a death resulted from the intentional act of another person, though such a determination is separate from criminal charges or a finding of guilt.
Victim Background
Mercado-Labonte was a 29-year-old resident of Bridgeport. No additional personal information about the victim was released by police. His connection to Farmington, the Talcott Forest Road complex, or any individuals in the area was not disclosed in official statements.
Context: Farmington Homicides
Homicides are rare in Farmington, a suburban town of approximately 26,000 residents in Hartford County. The town's police department handles its own investigations but can draw on resources from the Connecticut State Police Major Crime Squad in complex homicide cases. Police did not indicate whether outside agencies had been asked to assist.
Talcott Forest Road runs through a residential area with a mix of single-family homes and condominium developments. The wooded land along the edge of the complex where Mercado-Labonte was found is not a heavily trafficked area.
The investigation is continuing. No timeline for additional updates from law enforcement has been announced.
