New Haven Register (New Haven, CT)
City man charged in fatal shooting on Whalley Ave.
NEW HAVEN — A 45year-old city man has been arrested in connection with the January shooting that left 33-year-old Michael Wint dead, police said.
Ronald Little of New Haven is charged with murder, criminal possession of a firearm and ammunition and carrying a pistol without a permit, among other offenses, Assistant Chief Bertram Ettienne said Thursday.
The fatal shooting occurred Jan. 21 in the area of 296 Whalley Ave., killing Wint, also of of New Haven, as he sat in a vehicle. Little also was shot during the incident, and walked to Yale New Haven Hospital’s St. Raphael’s campus for treatment, Ettienne said. Little is still undergoing medical treatment while in police custody, and the investigation into the shooting remains active, the assistant chief said.
Police Chief Karl Jacobson said detectives were able to solve the crime through a combination of video footage, weapons recovered from the shooting and “good old detective work.”
Jacobson said it remained unclear whether Little and Wint knew each other. But video reviewed by detectives shows Little seemed to recognize Wint and approached him, according to the chief. Little had a criminal history, he added.
Jacobson also commended the officers who responded to the shooting, saying they handled the situation well despite being harassed by members of the public who stood nearby.
“As (officers) tried to secure the scene and render aid, they were being yelled at by members of the public,” Jacobson said. “They did a great job. That’s why we were able to make the arrest so fast.”
Members of Wint’s family stood solemnly in the background as police officers conducted the news conference Thursday.
Carol Evans, Wint’s aunt, said her nephew had a “hearty laugh” and was a “really good father” to his two sons, ages 9 and 3. Wint had a “strong entrepreneurial spirit,” Evans said, adding that he owned a real estate management company on Whalley Avenue in New Haven.
Born and raised in New Haven, Wint also loved working with children, especially those who were at risk, according to Evans. She thanked the Police Department for their work on the case.
“I’m glad that they were able to make the arrest so quickly,” Evans said. “It doesn’t change things but it does bring some healing and some comfort to the family. I just pray that this stops in our community because all children should be able to grow up in a comfortable, safe place.”
The Elm City has seen a spike in fatal gun violence this year. Jacobson reported that 13 shootings have occurred so far this year, five of them fatal. The chief said police have exchanged warrants with the Office of the Chief State’s Attorney and are “hoping to be able to solve more of these (homicides) as soon as possible.”