Police charge Ansonia woman, 18, with involvement in homicide

 

Jada Artis

ANSONIA - Police arrested Jada Artis, 18, of Ansonia on Nov. 3 for her involvement in the homicide of Abdul-Jalil Humphrey on July 14, 2023 on Hodge Avenue. 

Artis was charged with felony murder, robbery in the first degree, conspiracy to commit robbery in the first degree, and hindering prosecution. 

Artis is being held on a $2M bond and was to be arraigned today in Milford Superior Court, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a written release.

 

The arrest of Artis was the result of a multi-agency investigation where a second suspect, Sahvon Valentine, 20, of Hartford, was identified as the person who shot Humphrey, police said.

An arrest warrant was obtained for Valentine. He is currently in the custody of the State of Connecticut Department of Corrections on unrelated charges and will be arrested in the near future.

 

The Ansonia Police Department would like to thank the Derby Police Department, Connecticut State Police – Central District Major Crime, Shelton Police Department, Middletown Police Department, and the State of Connecticut Forensic Laboratory for their assistance in the investigation.

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

 

Ansonia teen arrested today in April, 2022 homicide in city

ANSONIA - A 16-year old Ansonia resident was arrested by warrant today for involvement in the April 5, 2022 homicide of Johnny Class, police said Tuesday night.

The 16-year old was taken into custody early this morning [Tuesday] by the United States

Marshal's Fugitive Task Force in Stratford and turned over to the Ansonia Police Department. The 16-year old was detained on a $1.25 million bond. The 16-year old's identity is being withheld until the case is transferred to Milford Superior Court.

The 16-year old was charged with felony murder, criminal attempt to commit murder, criminal attempt at robbery first degree, and conspiracy to commit robbery first degree and carrying a pistol without a permit.

This is the 3rd arrest in the homicide investigation.

The Ansonia Police Department would like to thank the United States Marshal's Fugitive Task Force and the Stratford Police Department for their assistance in this apprehension.

This is shared from the Ansonia Police Department Facebook page.

ORIGINAL PRESS RELEASES

On April 5, 2022, at about 12:50 P.M. the Ansonia Police Department received a 911 call from a male reporting he was on Main Street near Kingston Drive and his friend was shot. The first officers on scene found a silver Honda and the passenger was suffering from a gunshot wound. Officers provided first aid until an ambulance arrived and the victim was transported to a local hospital where he died as a result of his injuries.

During the initial investigation, information was obtained that the shooting took place on Hubbell Avenue near Sixth Street. A check of that area was done and a shell casing was recovered on Hubbell Avenue. It was also learned that the shooting happened during an attempted drug purchase where the suspect fired into the Honda striking the victim. The Honda then fled the scene before stopping on Main Street and calling 911.

The victim, a 20-year old male from Stratford, has been tentatively identified and his name will be released at a later time.

The suspect was described as a young black male wearing all dark colored clothing and he left the area on foot.

The victim in the April 5, 2022 homicide in Ansonia is Johnny Class, a 20-year old Stratford resident. Chief Williams and the entire Ansonia Police Department offer our sympathy and condolences to Mr. Class’ family, friends and loved ones. The investigation into Mr. Class’ death is still active with several strong leads and we are hopeful the investigation will lead to the arrest of the person or persons responsible.

Ansonia Police recover 2nd car stolen from scene of homicide

Shared from today's post on the Ansonia Police Department Facebook page:

"The stolen red Chevrolet Malibu involved in the homicide of Abduljalil Humphrey has been recovered. Thank you for sharing and reposting. The investigation into Humphrey's death is still very active and we are following several strong leads."

Ansonia Police: Car stolen during homicide Friday located

ANSONIA - The stolen 2019 Hyundai Elantra color black, Connecticut registration BK 30761, taken during the homicide on Hodge Avenue yesterday has been located, Police Lt. Patrick Lynch said Saturday morning in a written release.

We are still attempting to locate the stolen 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Premier color red, Connecticut registration BD 24248. The occupants of the Chevrolet are considered armed and dangerous please do not approach the car if seen, call your local police department.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the police department at 203-735-1885 or anonymous tips can be left at Tip411 at the link below.
https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch. 

For press release about Friday's homicide, click here. 

Ansonia man, 30, dies after shooting on Hodge Avenue

ANSONIA - At about 1:40 p.m. today [Friday], the Ansonia Police Department received multiple 911 calls reporting shots fired and a person shot on Hodge Avenue. 

First officers on scene found a male in the driveway of 124 Hodge Ave. suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. 

The male, Abduljalil Humphrey, 30, of Ansonia, was transported to Griffin Hospital where he was pronounced dead, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a release Friday evening.

During the initial investigation two cars were identified as being involved in the incident and the Ansonia Police Department is attempting to locate the cars.

The first car belonged to the victim and was stolen from the scene after the shooting. It is a 2019 Hyundai Elantra color black bearing Connecticut registration BK 30761.

The second car is a stolen car, a 2018 Chevrolet Malibu Premier color red bearing Connecticut registration BD 24248. 

The suspect was driving the stolen Chevrolet just prior to the shooting and it was occupied by at least one other person who drove it away from the scene.

2019 Hyundai Elantra

2018 Chevrolet Malibu Premier

If either car is seen please do not approach the car, contact your local police department, Lynch said.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the police department at 203-735-1885 or anonymous tips can be left at Tip411 at the link below.

https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Ansonia man, 18, arrested in connection with homicide in April, 2022

Errol Salkey

ANSONIA - Errol Salkey, 18, of Ansonia was arraigned today at Milford Superior Court for his involvement in the April 5, 2022 homicide of Johnny Class. 

Salkey, who was 17 at the time of the homicide, was taken into custody by the Orange Police Department on March 16, 2023 during an unrelated investigation and turned over to the Ansonia Police Department, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a written release.  

Salkey was arraigned in juvenile court, where the case was transferred to adult court.

Salkey was charged with felony murder, criminal attempt at robbery first degree, and conspiracy to commit robbery first degree. Salkey is being held on a $1,250,000 bond and his next court date is June 2, 2023.

Police said additional arrests are anticipated.

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the police department at 203-735-1885 or anonymous tips can be left at Tip411 at the link below.

https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553

This is a press release from Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Police arrest 3rd man in 2011 Ansonia homicide

Andrew Spino

ANSONIA - Ansonia Police Wednesday arrested Andrew Spino, 34, for his involvement in the 2011 homicide of Ansonia resident Isaia Hernandez in the parking lot of the Xtra Mart on Wakelee Avenue. 

Spino was extradited from Hawaii, where he was in jail on unrelated charges, back to Connecticut with the assistance of the United States Marshal Service, Lt. Patrick Lynch said today in a written release. 

Spino’s arrest is the third arrest in the case; Elijah Stanford and Luis Marquez were both arrested in March and May of 2021. 

This is expected to be the last arrest in the investigation.

Andrew Spino was charged with felony murder, first-degree robbery, and conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery. 

Spino was held on a $500,000 bond and is to be arraigned today at Derby Superior Court.

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

 

Ansonia man, 17, arraigned Wednesday in April 5 Hubbell Avenue homicide

ANSONIA - Monteral Crews, 17, of Ansonia was arraigned Wednesday at Derby Superior Court for the April 5, 2022 homicide of Johnny Class, police said today in a release. 

Crews was taken into custody in North Carolina by the United States Marshal Service Fugitive Task Force on May 13, 2022 and brought back to Connecticut on May 27, 2022. Crews was arraigned in Juvenile Court on May 31, 2022 where the case was transferred to adult court.

 

Crews was charged with felony murder, murder, criminal attempt at robbery first degree, conspiracy to commit robbery first degree, and carrying a pistol without a permit. 

Crews is being held on a $1.5 million bond and his next court date is June 23, 2022 at Milford Superior Court.

 

The investigation is ongoing and additional arrests are anticipated.

 

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the police department at 203-735-1885 or anonymous tips can be left at Tip411 at the link below.

https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

 

 

Ansonia Police to charge resident, 17, with felony murder, murder, robbery

ANSONIA -The Ansonia Police Department obtained an arrest warrant for the homicide of Johnny Class on April 5, 2022. 

The suspect, a 17-year-old male from Ansonia, fled the state shortly after the homicide. With the assistance of the United States Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force in Connecticut and North Carolina, the suspect was taken into custody without incident in North Carolina on May 13, 2022. 

He is currently being detained, awaiting extradition proceedings. Once he returns to Connecticut, he will be charged with felony murder, murder, and robbery. He will be arraigned in Juvenile Court and the case will be transferred to Adult Court for prosecution. 

The name of the suspect will be released when the case is transferred. The investigation is still ongoing and additional arrests are anticipated.

 

Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the police department at 203-735-1885 or anonymous tips can be left at Tip411 at the link below.

https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553

This is a press release from Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Ansonia Police ID homicide victim, seek information from public

ANSONIA - The victim in the April 5, 2022 homicide in Ansonia is Johnny Class, a 20 year-old Stratford resident, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a release. 

Chief Williams and the entire Ansonia Police Department offer our sympathy and condolences to Mr. Class’ family, friends, and loved ones. 

The investigation into Mr. Class’ death is still active with several strong leads and we are hopeful the investigation will lead to the arrest of the person or persons responsible.


Anyone with information regarding this case is asked to contact the police department at 203-735-1885 or anonymous tips can be left at Tip411 at the link below.

https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553

 

This is a press release from Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch. 

Naugatuck man charged in March, 2011 homicide at Xtra Mart in Ansonia

Luis Marquez

Elijah Stanford

ANSONIA - Police this morning with the assistance of the U.S. Marshal’s Fugitive Task Force and Waterbury Police took Luis Marquez into custody in Waterbury for the March 16, 2011 homicide of Isaia Hernandez at the Xtra Mart on Wakelee Avenue, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a written release.

This was the second arrest in the homicide investigation; on March 11, 2021, Elijah Stanford was arrested for his involvement in the homicide. 

Ansonia Police have a third arrest warrant in this homicide investigation; the suspect is currently incarcerated and will be arrested at a later date.

 

Luis Marquez, 29, of Naugatuck was charged with Felony Murder, Robbery First Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery First Degree. Marquez was held on a $500,000 bond and will be arraigned at Milford Superior Court today. 

Elijah Stanford, 29, of Willimantic was charged with Felony Murder, Robbery First Degree and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery First Degree. Stanford was arraigned at Milford Superior Court and released on a $500,000 bond. His next court date is May 25 at Milford Superior Court.

 

The investigation into the homicide of Isaia Hernandez began on March 16, 2011 at 6:10 p.m. when Ansonia Police received a complaint of a person shot in front of the Xtra Mart on Wakelee Avenue. Hernandez was found in the parking lot of Xtra Mart by the gas pumps, shot multiple times, and he was transported to the hospital where he died from the gunshots. 

The investigation led by Det. Stephen Adcox, determined Hernandez was inside his car in the Xtra Mart lot with Luis Marquez and Elijah Stanford when Marquez and Stanford robbed and shot Hernandez.

Hernandez, Marquez, and Stanford all exited the car with Hernandez collapsing in the parking lot while Marquez and Stanford ran down Church Street. 

Through the persistence of Det. Adcox and his continued investigation, three arrest warrants were obtained for all the suspects involved in the homicide.

This is a press release from Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch.

A year later, Ansonia Police continue to investigate disappearance of toddler

Vanessa Morales

ANSONIA - One year ago today [Wednesday], the Ansonia Police Department began an investigation into the homicide of Christine Holloway and disappearance of Holloway’s daughter, Vanessa Morales.

While we were able to make an arrest for the homicide, we have not been able to locate Vanessa.

We continue to investigate the case and have received hundreds of tips in the case; unfortunately, none of the tips has led to Vanessa. The Graco car seat, polka dot blanket, grey Eddie Bauer backpack/diaper bag and multicolored teething key ring are all still missing items that could assist in finding the whereabouts of Vanessa.

Our main objective since the beginning of this investigation is to bring closure to the family, friends and loved ones of Christine and Vanessa and we will continue to work to reach that goal.

This was posted Wednesday on the Ansonia Police Department's Facebook page.

Ansonia Police arrest suspect in murder of Derby woman, 20

Andre LeFrancois

ANSONIA -  Police Wednesday charged Andre LeFrancois, 22, of Ansonia with the murder of Rosali Violet Acquefreda, 20, on Aug. 30. He was arrested by warrant and taken into custody without incident. 

LeFrancois is charged with Murder and Risk of Injury to a Minor; he is being held on a $750,000

bond and will be arraigned Thursday in Milford Superior Court. 

The arrest warrant has been sealed by the court and will not be available for release.

At this time on behalf of Chief Andrew Cota, the Ansonia Police Department would like to thank Chief Gerald Narowski, Lieutenant Stanko, Detective Sergeant Netto and Detective Sullivan of the Derby Police Department, Col. Mellekas, Sgt. Ralph Soda and the Central District Major Crimes Unit of the Connecticut State Police, Dr. Vallaro and the forensic scientists at the State of Connecticut Forensic Laboratory for their invaluable assistance in the investigation of this homicide. 

We also would like to thank State’s Attorney Kelly, Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Stein, Inspector Brooks and all the members of the Ansonia/Milford Judicial District for their assistance and support.

I would like to recognize Lt. Wayne Williams, Det. Sgt. James Frolish, Detective Adcox, Detective Hunt, Detective Harte, Detective Esposito, Detective Troesser and all the men and women of the Ansonia Police Department for their hard work and commitment to this investigation and the work they do every day.

The Ansonia Police Department strongly urges anyone who may be in a relationship where domestic violence is occurring to contact their local authorities. 

Help is available 24 hours a day 7 days a week. In the Valley, The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services can be reached by phone at 203-736-9944, 203-789-8104 or 1-888-774-2900 or at https://bhcare.org/page/22595-The-Umbrella-Center-for-Domestic-Violence-Services- . Statewide domestic violence assistance can be found at www.CTSafeConnect.org or call/text (888)774-2900.

This is a press release from Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Ansonia Police to hold press conference today on arrest in homicide

Shared from Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch:

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Police Department will hold a press conference at 6:30 p.m. today to release information regarding an arrest in the Acquefreda homicide investigation. 

The press conference will take place at Veteran’s Memorial Park next to Ansonia City Hall, 253 Main St. 

Ansonia Police: Suspect sought in murder of Derby woman, 20

ANSONIA - At about 4:50 p.m. Sunday the Derby Police Department notified the Ansonia Police Department of an evading motor vehicle accident involving a pedestrian in the area of Coe Lane and North Coe Lane, Lt. Patrick Lynch said in a release late Sunday night. 

When officers arrived on scene, they found a 20-year-old female suffering from upper body injuries that were not consistent with a motor vehicle accident but rather an assault. 

The female was transported to Griffin Hospital where she was pronounced dead. The name of the victim will be released once the next of kin has been notified of her death. 

The Ansonia Police Department is currently working with the State of Connecticut Office of the Chief Medical examiner to determine the cause and manner of death. 

The Connecticut State Police Major Crime Central District is assisting with the processing of the scene on Coe Lane and North Coe Lane. 

The Ansonia Police Department Detective Bureau with the assistance of the Derby Police Department Detective Bureau are following up leads to identify a suspect. A black Pontiac Aztek motor vehicle involved in this incident has been located and is in the custody of the Ansonia Police Department. 

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Ansonia Police Department at 203-735-1885 or tips can be left anonymously through Tip411 at the link below.

https://www.tip411.com/tips/new?alert_group_id=21553


This is a press release from Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Ansonia Police to hold press conference on Holloway murder probe

Update: Shared from the Valley Independent Sentinel: 

https://valley.newhavenindependent.org/archives/entry/missing_ansonia_toddlers_father_accused_of_murdering_christine_holloway/

ANSONIA - The Ansonia Police Department will be having a press conference at noon today, 2/7/2020,  at Ansonia City Hall, 253 Main St., to update the investigation into the homicide of Christine Holloway.


This is a press release from Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Ansonia Police: Press conference today at City Hall

From Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch:

There will be a press conference at 5 p.m. today in the Aldermanic Chambers at Ansonia City Hall, 253 Main Street Ansonia, CT. 
There will be a release of new information in the missing child / homicide investigation.

Ansonia Police: Vanessa Morales' father a suspect in her disappearance

ANSONIA - As the investigation into the homicide of Christine Holloway and disappearance of Vanessa Morales enters its third week, the Ansonia Police Department is again requesting the public’s assistance in the investigation. 

The suspect in both the homicide of Christine and disappearance of Vanessa is Jose Morales, age 43, of New Haven. 

Jose Morales is the father of Vanessa Morales and the boyfriend of Christine Holloway. Jose is currently incarcerated and has been since Dec. 3, 2019. 

Finding Vanessa and bringing her home safely is our main priority. We are not looking to arrest or start criminal proceedings against whoever has Vanessa; we just want her returned to her family. It is imperative that we find Vanessa, a one-year old child who is wholly dependent on others for her care and well-being and we know locating Vanessa would bring a sense of relief to her family.

Anyone who had contact or saw Jose Morales on Saturday, Nov. 30, Sunday, Dec. 1, or Monday, Dec. 2, is asked to contact the FBI tip line at 203-503-5555 or the Ansonia Police Department at 203-735-1885 or through Tip411.

Jose Morales is currently incarcerated for an arrest on 12/3/19 in New Haven on a weapons charge; the arrest is not related to our investigation.

This is a press release from Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch.

Ansonia Police: Investigation continues into murder, missing child

Vanessa Morales

From Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch:

"There will be no press conference today [Friday]. We are not at the point where we will be releasing any suspect or person of interest information. 
"The investigation is continuing and we are building a strong case to bring the investigation to a successful conclusion.

"Thank you to all the members of the community and surrounding cities and towns who have provided information and support in our efforts to arrest the person who murdered Christine and bring baby Vanessa home."

Ansonia detectives, state police return to Myrtle Avenue home

From Ansonia Police Lt. Patrick Lynch:

"No press conference today.

"Ansonia Detectives and Connecticut State Police were back at 6 ½ Myrtle Ave. today doing follow-ups for the investigation into the homicide of Christine Holloway and missing person, Vanessa Morales. 

"There is no other information to release at this time."