Press Releases
05/31/2023
Rickey Traynham Convicted in 2021 Murder of Rondell Atkinson in Woodbridge
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(New Haven, CT) - New Haven State’s Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr. announced today that a jury in New Haven Superior Court on May 30, 2023 found Rickey Traynham guilty of the crime of Murder, Felony Murder, Robbery in the First Degree, and Conspiracy to Commit Robbery in the First Degree. The Honorable Elpedio Vitale presided over the jury trial. Traynham also was convicted of Criminal Possession of a Firearm and Pistol without a Permit in a separate proceeding that was tried before the court.
According to evidence introduced at trial, Traynham shot the victim, Rondell Atkinson, during a robbery at the Pease Road Playground in Woodbridge on June 7, 2021. Atkinson’s body was found the next day by a jogger. Traynham was implicated in the murder when his codefendant, Jorden Rudel, confessed his involvement in the robbery to multiple family members who testified at the trial. Traynham also was found in possession of the two murder weapons when police arrested him on July 11, 2021.
The case was investigated by the Woodbridge Police Department and the Connecticut State Police. The case was prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Seth R. Garbarsky and Assistant State’s Attorney Gregory L. Borrelli, with assistance from Inspector Michael Mastropetre.
“We are grateful to the Woodbridge Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and Division of Scientific Services for their tireless work on this investigation,” State’s Attorney Doyle said. “Rondell Atkinson was an upstanding member of the community who fell victim to a senseless act of violence. Although nothing will bring him back, we are happy to see justice for Rondell and his loved ones.”
Sentencing is scheduled for August 2, 2023 in New Haven Superior Court.