Jenigh Ward : "Man Pleads Guilty to 2022 Murder of 15-Year-Old in Hamden"

1. Man admits to involvement in 2022 killing of teenage girl in Hamden
2. Suspect confesses to 2022 slaying of 15-year-old in Hamden.

Accident – Death – Obituary News :

New Haven, Conn — A man who was arrested in connection with the murder of a Hamden High School freshman has pleaded guilty, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

Jenigh Ward, a 20-year-old resident of Hamden, entered a guilty plea to one count of murder. The DOJ has stated that he faces a sentence of 35 years in prison, with his sentencing scheduled for August 12 in New Haven Superior Court.

The tragic incident involved the death of Elijah Gomez, a 15-year-old student, who was shot while walking home from school on May 9, 2022.

Surveillance footage revealed that Ward, along with two other individuals, had been following Gomez as he made his way home. Ward then reportedly shot Gomez multiple times before fleeing the scene.

Upon receiving a report of shots fired, Hamden police rushed to the Farmington Canal trail near Treadwell Street and discovered Gomez with multiple gunshot wounds. Unfortunately, Gomez succumbed to his injuries and passed away.

Ward was eventually identified by police through various pieces of evidence, including footage from surveillance cameras, his vehicle, clothing, and ballistic evidence that matched the scene of the shooting.

While Ward will be held accountable for his actions, authorities are actively seeking information on the identities of the two other suspects involved in the crime. Anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Hamden Police Department’s Major Crimes Unit at 203-230-4040.

John P Doyle, Jr., the state’s attorney for the New Haven Judicial District, expressed the senseless nature of the crime, stating, “Ward’s senseless act of violence ended the life 15-year-old Elijah as he was innocently walking home from school.” He emphasized the ongoing investigation to identify the remaining suspects.