3 dead, 1 injured in Hartford car crash

HARTFORD, Conn. Police say the collision happened shortly before 4 a.m. Monday when the car struck the tree on Tower Avenue, causing an impact that split the vehicle in half.

The victims, all from Hartford, were identified later Monday as 19-year-old Shakela Patterson, 22-year-old Anthony Smith and 22-year-old Carlos Diaz.

Police say another passenger, 17-year-old Ladisha Williams of Hartford, survived the crash and was hospitalized in stable condition.

Police say they believe speed was a factor and are looking for witnesses.