NEW HAVEN, CT (WFSB) – An arrest has been made in connection with a double homicide that occurred last month in New Haven.
Police arrested Sergio Thomas, 39, on Friday in connection with the August 25 shooting deaths of Daquan Hyman, 26, and Ernest Williams, 32, on Dickerman Street.
Investigators say that video surveillance and witness statements played a key role in identifying Thomas as the shooter.
In court Monday, Thomas’ attorney, Darnell Crosland, claimed his client acted in self-defense while protecting his brother. Crosland stated that Ring doorbell footage captured three men threatening to kill Thomas’ brother, who was then seen on the ground as one of the men allegedly pulled a knife.
Thomas, a valid pistol permit holder with no prior criminal record, is accused of firing multiple shots. Prosecutors allege that after the initial gunfire, Thomas approached one of the wounded victims, who was crawling away, and fired four additional shots at close range.
Assistant Chief David Zannelli confirmed video evidence was central to the investigation. “Video evidence doesn’t lie,” he said.
Chief Karl Jacobson emphasized the importance of neighborhood cameras, noting that they captured the events before, during, and after the crime, helping to identify those present and corroborate witness accounts.
The incident reportedly stemmed from an earlier altercation on Whalley Avenue, with connections between the individuals involved, including a past jail acquaintance and a romantic relationship between Thomas’ brother and a victim’s sister.
Thomas is being held on a $3 million bond and is scheduled to appear in court again on September 29.
