(Bridgeport, CT) - Joseph T. Corradino, Bridgeport Judicial District State’s Attorney, today announced that a Superior Court jury in Bridgeport on May 29, 2026 found Joseph “Joe Grits” Thompson, age 40, of Bridgeport, guilty of Inciting Injury to Persons, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-179a, and Threatening in the Second Degree, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-62(a)(2)(B). The Honorable Robert G. Golger presided over the trial.
According to the evidence at trial, the defendant posted on social media a photograph of a Bridgeport police officer altered to include a tombstone and the words “R.I.P.” across the officer’s face. A second post featured the same officer’s photograph accompanied by the caption, “somebody gotta die, somebody should die with a badge on.” The posts were made following a March 31, 2025 officer-involved shooting in Bridgeport.
Thompson is scheduled for sentencing on July 27, 2026 in Bridgeport Superior Court where he faces up to 10 years and 364 days in prison.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Felicia D. Valentino.