NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) – New Haven police have made an arrest in the city’s first homicide of 2025. Lashae Moore, 21, from New Haven, was arrested on Tuesday and charged in connection with the January 19 death of 26-year-old Raviteja Koyyada, a resident of Hamden.
According to the police, Koyyada, who worked for a Chinese restaurant in Hamden, may have been lured into a trap when he was called for a delivery to a specific address. His vehicle was later stolen but was located nearby, abandoned and unoccupied.
Moore now faces multiple charges, including murder, felony murder, criminal possession of a pistol, criminal possession of ammunition, and carrying a pistol without a permit. She is being held on a $2 million bond.
During a press conference on Friday, New Haven Mayor Justin Elicker and Police Chief Karl Jacobson shared details of the case. Chief Jacobson stated that the incident appeared to have been a robbery that went wrong. He credited the city’s traffic cameras for playing a significant role in tracking the suspect using the stolen vehicle.
Assistant Police Chief David Zannelli read a letter from Koyyada’s family, who was unable to attend the press conference. In part, Koyyada’s brother said, “As we mourn this devastating loss, we ask for privacy to grieve, strength to seek justice, and the support of our community in ensuring Raviteja’s memory is honored by holding the perpetrator fully accountable.”
Mayor Elicker, who visited the scene of the crime on the night of the homicide, remarked that the situation was particularly unusual, as most crimes in New Haven typically involve people who know each other. In this case, Koyyada had been working and was not involved in any negative activity within the city.
“Sounds like Raviteja was a big brother and someone who looked out for his friends,” Mayor Elicker added.
