Bridgeport Police Seek Person Of Interest In Fatal Shooting

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport police are asking for the public’s help identifying a man described as a person of interest in the Aug. 9 killing of Johnny Nesmith at the P.T. Barnum housing complex.

Nesmith, 46, was shot multiple times outside Building 21 at about 1 a.m., police said. The shooting occurred hours after a reunion of current and former P.T. Barnum residents on Saturday, Aug. 8.

Police said numerous people were near Nesmith when the shooting occurred. No one else was struck by gunfire.

Homicide detectives are also asking anyone with cellphone video that could assist the investigation to send it to Detective Jeffrey Holtz at jeffrey.holtz@bridgeportct.gov.

Nesmith was a former resident of P.T. Barnum.

"We have heard repeatedly that Johnny Nesmith was a popular, uplifting person, and a good father," Holtz said. "We know it is difficult to come forward, but we need those who were right there to complete the picture of what happened, who shot, and why."

Anyone with information can also call the Bridgeport Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 203-581-5293.