Man Charged With Murder In Fatal Shooting: Hamden Police

HAMDEN, CT — A New Haven man is being held on a $2 million bond for fatally shooting a man during an attempted robbery at a gas station in Hamden last week, according to police. The shooting occurred at Express Fuel, 1126 Dixwell Avenue, on Dec. 27.

Officers responded to the gas station around 9 p.m. and found Corey Gomes, 35, of Hamden, suffering from a gunshot wound. He was immediately taken to Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he was pronounced dead, according to Capt. Ronald Smith.

Police investigated and found that Pharoh Jackson, 20, of New Haven, attempted to rob Gomes at gunpoint. A fight ensued with Jackson firing several rounds and killing Gomes, according to Smith.

Smith said Jackson subsequently fled from the area in a vehicle “with at least one other occupant.”

Det. Matthew Barbuto conducted the investigation that led to an arrest warrant for Jackson.

Members of the Hamden Police Department Major Crimes Unit, with the assistance of the Bridgeport Police Department and the United States Marshal Service Connecticut Violent Fugitive Task Force, arrested Jackson on Friday morning, according to Smith.

Jackson, 20, of Sherman Parkway, New Haven, was charged with murder in the commission of a felony and first-degree robbery. Jackson, who is being detained on a $2 million court-ordered bond, is scheduled to appear in Meriden Superior Court on Jan. 6.

“I am very proud of the swift action, all hands-on deck approach, demonstrated by the Hamden Police Department with this case,” Hamden Mayor Curt Balzano Leng said in a statement. “This terrible incident, a murder that occurred just one week ago, understandably shook neighbors and created great concern for everyone. My deepest condolences remain with the family of the victim, Corey Gomes. While the tragedy of lost life cannot be changed, we can work to bring justice, to avoid additional violence and for this I am grateful.

“I want to recognize Acting Police Chief Cappiello, Detective Matthew Barbuto and the Hamden Major Crimes Unit for their outstanding efforts and effective coordination and cooperation with neighboring and other local, state and federal law enforcement agencies that delivered the arrest. This arrest makes our neighborhoods safer and the Hamden Police Department has the sincere appreciation of this Mayor.”