April 28, 2026 – Springfield, Massachusetts – Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni has announced that Elijah Melendez, 24, of Holyoke, has been convicted of first-degree murder in connection with the 2022 killing of Elis Vizcarrondo.

On July 3, 2022, Vizcarrondo was found deceased in the Connecticut River. An investigation later determined that he had been shot in the back of the head and through the right eye.

The investigation was conducted through a coordinated effort between the Massachusetts State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, along with the Holyoke Police Department and the Chicopee Police Department.

Investigators developed information from cooperating witnesses, along with video canvassing and the execution of multiple search warrants, which led them to 131 Clemente Street in Holyoke, where the victim was killed. The investigation ultimately identified multiple individuals involved.

William Bell was also charged in connection with the homicide but is deceased, having suffered a medical emergency while in custody at the Berkshire County Jail and House of Correction in April 2025. Miguel Morales was later charged as an accessory after the fact.

At trial, evidence showed that Melendez admitted to multiple individuals that he and Bell killed Vizcarrondo because the victim had previously cooperated with police in connection with another homicide investigation.

Melendez was found guilty by a jury of first-degree murder, possession of a firearm without a license, and possession of ammunition without a license.

Sentencing is scheduled for Friday, May 1, 2026, in Hampden Superior Court.

“This case was built piece by piece through careful investigative work. That work led to today’s conviction,” said District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni. “I’m grateful for the strong work of our law enforcement partners and the prosecution team on this case.”

The Commonwealth was represented by Assistant District Attorneys Michael Cashman, Kelsey Baran, Michael Locke, and Victim Witness Advocate Stacy Martel.