As police announced a $50,000 reward for information in the death of 21-year-old Dennis Allen-Paige, his mother made an impassioned plea for someone to come forward.
Dennis Allen-Paige, a 21-year-old Hamden man was walking home from work early on the morning of Dec. 8, 2019 when he was robbed, shot in the back and left lying in Whiting Street, police said. He was taken to the hospital, where he died.
More than a year later, the case remains unsolved and police are pleading with anyone who has information to come forward.
The reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible has been increased to $50,000 from $25,000.
Police said Allen-Paige had finished his shift at T.J. Maxx on Dixwell Avenue, then grabbed a quick bite to eat after work. He had walked a little under two and a half miles, when a red four-door sedan, possibly a Nissan Altima or Maxima, started to follow him for several blocks.
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Two or more people got out of that car, approached Allen-Paige and a struggle ensued, police said. As Allen-Paige ran, he was shot in the back, police said.
Police said Allen-Paige's wallet was missing.
The vehicle headed to New Haven and was seen on Sherman Parkway, where Allen-Paige’s wallet was found, police said.
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Allen-Paige was a working man, a loving son, and a great family member, and “this senseless act was totally uncalled for,” police said.
Investigators have received little information in the case and they ask anyone with information, no matter how small, to come forward.
Police held a news conference on Tuesday afternoon about the reward and to ask for the public's help.
Dennis' sister, Joanna McDaniel, and his mom, Betty Paige, made impassioned pleas for information.
“My brother Dennis was just an awesome young man,” McDaniel, said.
She said her brother was a family man who worked extremely hard and would do anything for anyone.
She begged anyone with any information that might help solve the case to come forward.
Betty Paige said this is a difficult time and pleaded that anyone who has information come forward.
Dennis was the baby of nine children, she said. He graduated from Hamden High School, a counselor at the school got him the job at T.J. Maxx and Dennis told his mother he wanted to go back to school, Betty Paige said.
Betty said she did not raise her sons to hang out in the street. People thought she was tough on them for keeping them close to home.
“He chose to work, come home, and stay close to home,” she said.
Betty said Dennis had a girlfriend and he was happy.
”Now he can’t enjoy his life ‘cause his life was taken at a young age,” Betty Paige said.
She made a plea to parents. If their children come home with a stack of money, a new car, or things they did not work for and earn, they should start asking.
“Let’s help the police out. If you know something, talk up. Don’t be afraid. It could have been your kid, it could have been your grandson. It could have been your brother, or your nephew” she said. “Today is the time to step up.”
Police said they have not been able to obtain the license plate number from the red sedan.
Anyone with information should contact Detective Mark Sheppard at (203) 230-4047 or (203) 230-4000.
