Man Found Guilty In Killing Of West Haven Man

NEW HAVEN, CT — A man accused of fatally shooting a West Haven man at a playground in Woodbridge in 2021 has been convicted of murder, according to officials.

Rickey Traynham, of New Haven, was found guilty by a jury of murder, felony murder, first-degree robbery, and conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery. The jury trial concluded Tuesday at New Haven Superior Court.

In a separate proceeding, Traynham was also found guilty of criminal possession of a firearm and possession of a pistol without a permit.

According to prosecutors, Traynham shot the victim, Rondell Atkinson, of West Haven, multiple times during a robbery at the Pease Road Playground in Woodbridge on June 7, 2021. Traynham then took off in his car, leaving the victim to die in the parking lot, according to authorities.

A jogger found Atkinson's body the next day. Traynham was implicated in the homicide when codefendant Jorden Rudel confessed his involvement in the robbery to family members who testified at the trial, according to officials.

Police said Traynham was found in possession of two murder weapons when he was arrested July 11, 2021.

“We are grateful to the Woodbridge Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and Division of Scientific Services for their tireless work on this investigation,” New Haven State's Attorney John Doyle said in a statement. “Rondell Atkinson was an upstanding member of the community who fell victim to a senseless act of violence. Although nothing will bring him back, we are happy to see justice for Rondell and his loved ones.”

Traynham is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 2.

See related: Woodbridge Police Make 2nd Arrest In Murder Of West Haven Man