(Bridgeport, CT) - Joseph T. Corradino, Bridgeport Judicial District State’s Attorney, today announced that a jury in Bridgeport Superior Court on April 14, 2026 found Luis Morales, age 38, of Bridgeport, guilty of Murder, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-54a(a), Use of a Firearm to Commit a Class A Felony, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53-202k, Felony Murder, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-54c, Robbery in the First Degree, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-134(a)(1), and Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 29-35(a). After five days of evidence, the jury deliberated two and a half hours before reaching a unanimous verdict. The trial was held before the Honorable Earl B. Richards III.
Evidence at trial showed that on December 16, 2021, a masked individual, later identified as the defendant, walked into Sammy’s Dollar at 500 Park Avenue in Bridgeport, and shot Clinton Taylor ten times with a 9-millimeter pistol. The defendant then took cash from Taylor’s pockets and left 500 Park Avenue in Taylor’s vehicle. Taylor died from the gunshot wounds before an ambulance arrived.
“The jury was attentive to digital evidence and the complex scientific evidence that was instrumental in this case,” said Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Michael A. DeJoseph, who prosecuted the case.
DeJoseph also expressed his appreciation to the Bridgeport Police Department for their investigative work and to the Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection’s Division of Scientific Services for their expertise.
“Scientific advances and the prevalence of digital evidence from private and public security systems have made our communities safer and have made it difficult for violent criminal offenders to elude accountability,” Corradino said.
DeJoseph was assisted in the presentation of the case by Inspector Christopher LaMaine and Paralegal Specialist Christina Bennett. “We are fortunate to have an extremely talented team of professionals in our office,” the State’s Attorney added.
Sentencing is scheduled for June 17, 2026 in Bridgeport Superior Court.