New Haven Police continue to search for the person who shot and killed Tyrell Trimble, 20, in broad daylight on Tuesday at Elm and Kensington streets, near a busy grocery store.
Family and friends showed up to grieve along Elm Street hours after Trimble was shot and killed around 1 p.m. on Tuesday. Candles have been left behind at the site.
“I just heard it and ran downstairs and saw what was going on and, unfortunately, I saw the young man lying on the ground,” Kenya Cox, a neighbor, said.
A witness told police he had seen two men standing and talking near 540-542 Elm St. One man began running. The other pulled a gun and started shooting at him, the witness told police.
Trimble collapsed in a plaza and a bystander started CPR, police said. Trimble was taken to St. Raphael's Hospital, where he was pronounced dead a short time later.
The crime scene was alarming for people who lived just feet away, considering a bullet also struck a windshield. Many people walk through this area daily to shop at a grocery store across the street.
“If I would have not stayed at work later, I would have been caught in the crossfire. Around the time this happened, I’m walking through here and my kids are getting off the bus,” Denise Williams said.
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Even more concerning for neighbors was that police still hadn’t tracked down the person who opened fire. Investigators said the shooter took off in a stolen van. The van, a tan 2000 GMC Safari with was stolen from New Haven, police said. The owner of the van is from Pennsylvania.
Police found the vacant van about a mile away, right behind Strong School. The Strong School and Hill Regional Career High School, at 140 Legion Ave., were both placed on lockdown. The van was taken to be searched for evidence.
“It's ridiculous. It makes me feel unsafe in my own neighborhood and I shouldn't have to feel that way,” Williams added.
New Haven Police told NBC Connecticut that Trimble was a direct target, but wouldn’t say what the motive could have been.
They claimed Trimble was no stranger to the police department, and records showed Trimble was supposed to be in court Wednesday and Thursday for a drug charge, interfering with police and disorderly conduct.
His loved ones said he didn’t have enemies and they couldn’t imagine who would have taken his life.
Police said they have some leads but have not yet made an arrest.
If you have any information on this crime call New Haven Police.
