Teen, 18, Charged In Killing Of 15-Year-Old Hamden Student: Police

HAMDEN, CT — Police have announced an arrest in connection with the fatal shooting of a 15-year-old Hamden High School student last month.

Elijah Gomez was shot and killed while he was walking home from school along the Farmington Canal trail on May 9, according to police.

Jenigh Ward, 18, of Hamden, was arrested Monday and charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder and carrying a pistol without a permit. He was being held in lieu of a $1 million bond with a court date of June 13.

Detective Andrew Lipford, along with members of the Hamden Police Department Major Crimes Unit, conducted an extensive investigation into the shooting, according to police.

“We would like to extend our sincere appreciation to the New Haven Police Shooting Task Force, FBI - New Haven Field Office, U.S. Marshal’s Office – District of CT – Violent Fugitive Task Force, New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, State of Connecticut Division of Scientific Services, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, for the significant support and assistance that was provided to the Hamden Police Department during this investigation,” police wrote in a news release.

Interim Police Chief Timothy Wydra said during a news conference Monday that the investigation is ongoing and active, and police are hoping to make more arrests in connection with the shooting.

Wydra said police are still investigating a motive for the shooting. Police believe Gomez was targeted but they don’t know why, according to Wydra.

Mayor Lauren Garrett said during the news conference that Gomez was a very loved and respected young man whose life was cut short by a “senseless act of violence.”

Anyone with information about the shooting is asked to contact Lipford at 203-230-4055.