Police make arrest in death of West Haven man

WOODBRIDGE — Police have arrested a Derby man in connection with the killing of Rondell Atkinson last month.

The body of the 33-year-old West Haven resident was found by a jogger at the Pease Road Playground in Woodbridge in early June. He had been shot multiple times, according to authorities. Atkinson’s car was stolen, according to police.

On Thursday, police said they arrested Jordan Rudel, 24, of Derby, charging him with felony murder, murder, first-degree robbery and second-degree larceny.

Rudel was arrested by detectives from the Woodbridge Police Department and state police Central District Major Crimes

Squad, Woodbridge police said in a release.

He was arraigned Thursday at Superior Court in New Haven and is being held in lieu of $2 million bail. The case was transferred to the Part A docket, were the most serious cases are heard, with Rudel’s next court date scheduled for July 13, according to the New Haven State’s Attorney’s office.

Police said they could not release more information, citing the ongoing investigation.

New Haven State’s Attorney Patrick J. Griffin in a statement commended the investigative efforts of the Woodbridge Police Department and the State Police Central District Major Crimes Squad.

Those who knew Atkinson described him as a kind and loving man with a powerful singing voice and deep roots in the church.

Atkinson, who lived in West Haven, spent weekends traveling to several churches around the state — and even across state lines as recently as June 5 — singing gospel music before congregations and worshiping with others, those who knew him said.