Suspect Arrested In Killing Of 17-Year-Old Bridgeport Teen: Police

BRIDGEPORT, CT — A 21 year-old Ansonia man was arrested on a murder charge last week in connection with the shooting death of Bridgeport resident Romain Sterling, 17, on April 10.

In addition to murder, Kiheem Tyquan Benbow was also charged with the following:

• Criminal attempt at first-degree assault
• Carrying a pistol without a permit
• Failure to obtain a serial number

Benbow was held in lieu of bail of $2 million, and was scheduled to be arraigned in Bridgeport Superior Court on Monday.

The Bridgeport Police Detective Bureau first developed Benbow as a suspect in another case, and took him into custody on a warrant on April 24 with the help of the Bridgeport Police Regional Task Force and Emergency Services Unit.

"Upon serving this warrant, law enforcement personnel found Benbow to be in possession of a 9mm semiautomatic ghost gun [without a] serial number," said Bridgeport Police Capt. Kevin Gilleran in a statement.

That led to charges of illegal transfer pistol/revolver; criminal violation of a protective order; and carrying a pistol without a permit.

Following the April 24 arrest, police obtained a separate warrant for Benbow's arrest in connection with the Sterling murder. The investigation was led by Homicide Detective Thomas Harper.

Sterling was shot and killed on the evening of the 10th in the 1200 block of Park Avenue in Bridgeport.

"Outstanding job by Homicide Detective Thomas Harper for his diligence in bringing the case to a speeding conclusion," Gilleran said. "This is another example of the excellent work performed by Detectives and Officers serving the City of Bridgeport."