Suspect Accused Of Murder In Bridgeport Homicide Case

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A 21-year-old Bridgeport man was arrested on a murder charge Thursday in connection with the 2022 killing of Thomas Asbury, 22, according to authorities.

Azaya Stefurak was taken into custody by the United States Marshal’s Violent Crime Fugitive Task Force, and in addition to murder, Stefurak was also charged with carrying a pistol without a permit, and illegal possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle.

The case began at about 5:20 p.m. on March 16, 2022, when Bridgeport police were called to the rear parking lot of 590 East Main St. about a shooting.

"Upon arrival officers observed a victim, later identified as Thomas Asbury DOB 7/26/1999, laying on the ground in the parking lot next to a vehicle," wrote Capt. Kevin Gilleran in a statement. "He was suffering from two gunshot wounds to the torso."

Asbury was taken to Bridgeport hospital, but he never recovered from his injuries and ultimately died at the hospital on May 6, 2022, according to Gilleran.

The Bridgeport Police Detective Bureau Homicide Squad took over the investigation, and led by the efforts of Det. Thomas Harper, Stefurak was identified as the suspect, and a warrant was obtained for his arrest.

Stefurak is being held in lieu of bail of $1 million, and he is scheduled to be arraigned in court on Thursday.