In a landmark case that has shaken the Springfield, Massachusetts community, 28-year-old Victor Oquendo from Belchertown has been convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. The conviction comes after Oquendo was found guilty of the murder of 32-year-old Chad Alexander, who was fatally shot outside a home on West Alvord Street in Springfield in the early morning hours of November 28, 2021. The case, which involved two deadly shootings on the same night, has been a painful chapter for the families involved and the community at large. While Oquendo was convicted for Alexander’s death, he was acquitted of charges related to the second victim, 22-year-old Charleen Figueroa, who was also found dead that night.

The case, which spans over three years from the night of the shootings to the trial’s conclusion, involved months of investigative work and a lengthy trial. The conviction has sparked mixed emotions among those affected by the tragedy—while some find solace in the justice served, others are left grappling with the larger implications of the violent events that unfolded that fateful night. Oquendo’s actions, now officially deemed deliberate and devastating, have left an indelible mark on both the victims’ families and the Springfield community. This detailed account dives into the background of the case, the events leading up to the conviction, the impact on the community, and what the future holds for those affected by the tragedy.

The Tragic Night: What Happened on West Alvord Street?

The fatal shootings occurred in the early hours of November 28, 2021, on West Alvord Street in Springfield. West Alvord Street, a quiet residential area, was transformed into a crime scene that morning when two individuals were found fatally shot. The first victim, Chad Alexander, 32, was discovered outside a residence, a victim of a brutal shooting. His death would later become the focal point of the investigation, with Oquendo eventually found guilty of his murder. The second victim, Charleen Figueroa, 22, was found unresponsive in the driver’s seat of a vehicle around 3:30 a.m., a victim of another gunshot. Figueroa was pronounced dead at the scene.

The circumstances surrounding these two deaths have remained a source of anguish and uncertainty for the victims’ families. While Alexander’s death was directly linked to Oquendo, Figueroa’s death led to an acquittal. Investigators pieced together the night’s events, but the specific relationship between Oquendo and the victims, the motive for the shootings, and the precise details of how the events unfolded remain unclear. For Figueroa’s family, the acquittal has left lingering questions about the true sequence of events that night.

According to the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, Oquendo was arrested in July 2022 after a prolonged investigation by the Springfield Police Department’s Homicide Unit. The investigation, which took months, involved careful forensic work, witness testimony, and the piecing together of a complex narrative that would eventually lead to Oquendo’s conviction.

The Trial: A Legal Battle for Justice

The trial of Victor Oquendo was a significant legal event in Springfield. It began with the public accusation that Oquendo was responsible for the deaths of Chad Alexander and Charleen Figueroa. The prosecution, led by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, focused on the murder of Alexander and attempted to establish a clear link between Oquendo and Figueroa’s death. The defense, however, argued that there was insufficient evidence to prove Oquendo’s involvement in Figueroa’s death.

Throughout the trial, prosecutors presented evidence showing that Oquendo had acted deliberately and maliciously in the shooting of Chad Alexander. They argued that Oquendo had a clear motive for killing Alexander and that the actions leading up to Alexander’s death were premeditated. The prosecution’s case was built on forensic evidence, witness statements, and the chain of events leading to the fatal shooting of Alexander.

However, the case surrounding Charleen Figueroa’s death proved more complicated. While Figueroa was also shot and killed that same night, the prosecution was unable to connect Oquendo directly to her death. As a result, Oquendo was found not guilty of the charges related to Figueroa’s death. The acquittal left many unanswered questions and a sense of unease among Figueroa’s family, who had hoped for justice for both victims.

Despite the uncertainty surrounding Figueroa’s death, the jury returned a verdict of guilty for Oquendo’s role in Chad Alexander’s murder. The decision was met with mixed reactions. While some expressed relief that justice had been served for Alexander’s family, others were left wondering about the truth of the second death, as the absence of a conviction for Figueroa left the case incomplete in the eyes of many.

The Sentencing: Life Without the Possibility of Parole

On April 16, 2025, Oquendo was sentenced for his conviction of first-degree murder in connection with the death of Chad Alexander. The court sentenced him to life in prison without the possibility of parole, ensuring that he would spend the rest of his life behind bars for his actions. In addition to the murder conviction, Oquendo received additional sentences for other charges, including armed assault with intent to murder, illegal possession of a firearm, and illegal possession of a loaded firearm. These sentences will run concurrently with his life sentence.

District Attorney Anthony Gulluni expressed his condolences to the families of both victims, acknowledging the immense pain and loss they had endured. In a statement, he remarked, “The defendant’s actions were deliberate and devastating… While no sentence can undo the harm done, we hope this outcome brings some sense of closure and peace to the involved families and loved ones.” Gulluni’s words underscored the emotional weight of the case, emphasizing the importance of the legal system in providing some measure of justice, even when the full truth remains elusive.

The sentencing of Oquendo has been seen as a victory for the justice system in Springfield, providing some closure for Chad Alexander’s family. However, it also serves as a reminder of the complexity of criminal cases, particularly those involving multiple victims and unresolved questions. The acquittal in the case of Figueroa’s death raises concerns about the adequacy of the investigation and the evidence presented in her case. For Figueroa’s family, the absence of a conviction for her death is a painful reminder that the full truth about that night may never be known.

Impact on the Community: A City in Mourning

The tragic deaths of Chad Alexander and Charleen Figueroa have reverberated throughout the Springfield community. These murders were part of a larger pattern of gun violence that has plagued many cities across the United States. While Springfield is not unique in facing challenges related to crime and violence, the deaths of two individuals in such a short period of time have brought the issue of public safety to the forefront of community discussions.

As the legal process has unfolded, local organizations, community leaders, and activists have called for increased efforts to address gun violence and improve the safety of neighborhoods like West Alvord Street. The case has prompted renewed conversations about the need for stronger gun control laws, increased community engagement, and improved resources for individuals affected by violence.

While Oquendo’s conviction provides some measure of justice for Chad Alexander’s family, the broader issue of gun violence and its impact on families and communities remains unresolved. The community of Springfield must now grapple with the lingering effects of these tragedies and work to prevent future instances of violence.

Looking Forward: Addressing Gun Violence and Strengthening Community Safety

The sentencing of Victor Oquendo for the murder of Chad Alexander brings some sense of closure, but the case also highlights the broader issues that Springfield and other cities face when it comes to gun violence. As the legal system continues to evolve, there is a growing need for comprehensive approaches to addressing the root causes of violence and improving public safety.

Experts argue that addressing gun violence requires a multifaceted approach that includes stricter regulations on firearms, improved mental health services, community-based interventions, and better coordination between law enforcement and local organizations. Additionally, the case has underscored the need for more robust investigative methods to ensure that all victims receive justice, particularly in cases where multiple victims are involved.

In the wake of this tragedy, Springfield must continue to focus on building stronger, safer communities and providing support for victims’ families. The lessons learned from this case—both in terms of justice and the ongoing fight against gun violence—must serve as a foundation for positive change moving forward.

Conclusion: Justice for Chad Alexander and a Community’s Healing

Victor Oquendo’s conviction for the first-degree murder of Chad Alexander marks a critical moment in the pursuit of justice for one of the victims of the deadly shooting on West Alvord Street. While the acquittal in the case of Charleen Figueroa’s death leaves unanswered questions, the outcome of Oquendo’s trial serves as an important reminder of the need for justice, accountability, and healing in communities affected by violence.

For Chad Alexander’s family, the sentencing of Oquendo provides a sense of closure, but the pain of losing a loved one in such a senseless and violent manner will never fully be alleviated. The impact of this case, however, extends far beyond the immediate families involved. It is a call to action for communities to work together to prevent future tragedies and ensure that justice is served for all victims of violence.

As Springfield moves forward from this tragedy, the lessons learned from this case must inform the ongoing fight to reduce gun violence and build a more just and equitable society for all.