06/22/2026
Sarah Wood
ALLEGED SUSPECT IN MURDER FOUND DECEASED IN MOTEL -
The MA State Police Detective Unit assigned to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, in conjunction with the Holyoke Police Department and Hartford Connecticut Police Department, investigated the death of a Connecticut man at a Holyoke motel on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
At 8 a.m., investigators were notified that a vehicle sought in connection with a homicide investigation in Hartford, Connecticut, had been located at a motel in Holyoke.
The vehicle was initially observed by an off-duty Massachusetts State Police dispatcher who recognized it while driving home from work and reported the sighting to authorities.
The vehicle, a 2024 Mitsubishi Outlander, had been identified by the Hartford Police Department as being associated with Chad Petitpas, 46, of Uncasville, Connecticut.
Investigators from multiple law enforcement agencies responded to the motel and reviewed surveillance footage, which showed Petitpas arriving at the property during the early morning hours and entering a room.
Through the course of the investigation, law enforcement personnel confirmed Petitpas remained inside the room.
Due to the nature of the Hartford homicide investigation and information indicating Petitpas may be armed, authorities established a perimeter around the motel and closed a portion of Northampton Street to protect the public.
The Massachusetts State Police Special Tactical Operations (STOP) Team and Crisis Negotiation Team were requested to respond.
Negotiators established communication with Petitpas and remained in contact with him for several hours. During those conversations, Petitpas made statements indicating he intended to harm himself.
After extensive efforts to persuade Petitpas to surrender peacefully, members of the STOP Team entered the motel room during the afternoon hours.
Petitpas was located inside the room suffering from an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. A firearm was recovered at the scene.
The investigation remains ongoing. Press release courtesy the Hampden District Attorney’s Office
