Man with Lengthy Criminal History Sentenced to 20 Years for New London Carjacking

Victor Hall confronted an elderly woman at gunpoint, stole her car, and led police on a high-speed chase before crashing the vehicle.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Victor Hall, a 32-year-old with a long history of felony convictions, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for a 2023 carjacking in New London, Connecticut. Hall confronted a 73-year-old woman at gunpoint, stole her car, and led police on a high-speed chase that reached over 100 mph before crashing the stolen vehicle. The judge cited Hall's "distinct pattern of escalating violence" and danger to the public in handing down the sentence.

Why it matters

This case highlights the challenges of repeat offenders and the need for effective deterrence and rehabilitation measures to protect public safety. The carjacking incident caused significant trauma for the elderly victim and raised concerns about the ability of the criminal justice system to address individuals with extensive criminal histories.

The details

On the morning of March 10, 2023, a masked Hall approached 73-year-old Venise Sletten after she had parked her car in a garage outside her home. At gunpoint, Hall demanded her car key, took her phone, and snapped a picture of her driver's license before leaving in her car. Minutes later, Waterford police spotted and chased Hall on Interstate 95, reaching speeds over 100 mph, before he crashed the stolen car into another vehicle on Route 85 and fled on foot.

  • On March 10, 2023, Hall confronted Sletten at gunpoint and stole her car.
  • Minutes after the robbery, Waterford police spotted and chased Hall on Interstate 95.

The players

Victor Hall

A 32-year-old man with a lengthy history of felony convictions, including a second-degree assault, violation of a protective order, assault on an elderly person, and a felony assault arrest in Rhode Island related to a hit-and-run. Hall is an admitted drug dealer who has spent most of his adult life in prison.

Venise Sletten

A 73-year-old woman who was the victim of the carjacking. Sletten flew from Colorado to Connecticut to testify at Hall's trial, which was delayed when Hall refused transport to the court.

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What they’re saying

“He's dangerous. He's hurt numerous people in the past. We now have a chance to do something to protect the public.”

— Stephen Carney, Supervisory Assistant State's Attorney (theday.com)

“The robbery was very traumatic. I remember thinking as I turned my back to him that he was going to shoot and kill me. I thought I was dying and never seeing my family again.”

— Venise Sletten (theday.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Hall out on bail pending his appeal.

The takeaway

This case highlights the challenges of repeat offenders and the need for more effective deterrence and rehabilitation measures to protect public safety. The trauma experienced by the elderly victim underscores the human cost of such crimes and the importance of the criminal justice system addressing individuals with extensive criminal histories.