Full Video Press Conference-Bridgeport, Conn. (September 1, 2015) – Today, the Bridgeport Police Department announced that two suspects have been arrested and charged in relation to an incident at Trumbull Gardens, which took place this summer and resulted in nine shooting victims — one homicide and eight injured.
“For months, police officers and others have worked tirelessly to solve this heinous crime. Now we’re taking another step forward,” said Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch.
“Today, we’re charging Jamal Hamilton and Kevan Bennett with regard to the shootings at Trumbull Gardens that took place in June. I want to thank the Bridgeport Police Department for their hard work on this case, and for bringing us one step closer to finding justice for the victims — as well as their loved ones — who have suffered because of this senseless act of violence.”
On August 28, 2015, Bridgeport police detectives obtained arrest warrants for two men who were alleged shooters in the June 11, 2015, shooting of 9 people in the Trumbull Gardens Housing Project.
One warrant was issued for Jamal “Moo Moo” Hamilton (DOB: 11/9/1990). And, the other warrant was issued for Kevan “Web” Bennett (DOB: 2/21/1991).
The suspects are being held on a $1,000,000 bond.
“I want to thank all of the officers involved for their great work,” said Police Chief Joseph Gaudett Jr. “I know there are those in the community who have been pushing for us to find justice in this case, but rest assured our officers have been putting in the time day-in-and-day-out since this tragic incident occurred. I’m proud of our department, and hope that kids and families across our city can sleep a little easier tonight.”
Both suspects are currently incarcerated on unrelated charges.
Today, both suspects will be brought to court and charged with Murder, eight counts of Assault in the First Degree, and weapons charges.
Since the June 11, 2015 shooting, police officers worked tirelessly with the Bridgeport Police Department’s Gang Unit to gather evidence to make arrests in this case.
The Bridgeport Police Department also received support from the State’s Attorney’s Office, the U.S. Attorney’s Office, and the FBI Safe Streets Task Force.
Following the June incident, the Bridgeport Police Department added walking patrols to the housing project and opened a police substation.
The neighborhood also saw the installation of cameras installed by the Bridgeport Housing Authority, which received financial support from Mayor FInch and the City of Bridgeport.
The evidence in this case indicates that both men, along with other unnamed suspects, ambushed a group of people who had congregated in a parking lot of the Trumbull Gardens Housing Project.
The suspects approached the area by car and parked on Sunshine Circle, an adjacent street.
They entered the housing project, split up, and simultaneously attacked from several positions.
They sprayed the crowd with gunfire, striking 8 of the 9 victims.
As the suspects fled they continued to fire back at the parking lot and in doing so struck an elderly woman who was in her shower on the second floor of her home.