Police Investigating ‘Numerous Leads’ In West Haven Homicide

WEST HAVEN, CT — Detectives are investigating “numerous leads” in connection with the killing of a New York man who was visiting his father Sunday night in West Haven, Connecticut State Police said in an update Wednesday.

Jawara Stennett, 39, was on his way back to New York after visiting his father for a birthday party when he was shot and killed. Police responded to the Interstate 95 south on-ramp at Exit 43 around 10 p.m. for a report of a shooting. Stennett, the front-seat passenger, was found unresponsive with an apparent gunshot wound to the right side of his torso, according to police.

Stennett was pronounced dead on the highway after West Haven EMS personnel attempted life-saving efforts, police said.

The other passengers in the vehicle weren't injured.

While detectives are investigating numerous leads, police said they continue to seek the public’s assistance in “bringing a suspect to justice.”

“Several reports are circulating alleging that this malicious attack was based on race, however, no suspect or motive has been developed at this time,” police said in a news release.

The suspect vehicle was described as a white SUV. There was no description of the driver and the registration was unknown, according to police.

Anyone with information that can help investigators in identifying the suspect is asked to contact Troop G-Bridgeport at 203-696-2500. All information will remain confidential.