(New Haven, CT) - John P. Doyle, Jr., State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New Haven, announced today that the Honorable Frank A. Iannotti on July 15, 2025 sentenced Dajon Morris, age 21, of New Haven, to 10 years in prison, execution suspended after five years served, followed by five years of probation.
On May 13, 2025, pursuant to a plea, the defendant was found guilty of Evading Responsibility, in violation of Connecticut General Statues § 14-224(a). The defendant’s car collided with a motorcycle operated by Jose Rodriguez, age 41, of New Haven. Mr. Rodriguez suffered fatal injuries.
This incident occurred on June 7, 2023, at approximately 9:27 p.m. at the intersection of Clay Street and Haven Street in New Haven. The defendant was operating a motor vehicle without a license, without registration and without insurance when he failed to obey a stop sign and collided with a motorcyclist who was exceeding the posted speed limit. The motorcyclist attempted to lay down his motorcycle and was ejected into the driver’s side of the defendant’s car. The defendant did not stop and performed a K-turn, coming in slight contact with the victim, and sped off. This incident was captured on a city camera. The defendant never called for help.
Other video evidence recorded the defendant’s flight from the scene and showed him recklessly disregard other stop signs and a red light. The defendant’s car was found the next day at on Carlisle Street. He was captured on video, clearing out his car and disposing of items that could identify him. The license plate was no longer on the car.
New Haven police officers interviewed witnesses which, in combination with video evidence, led to the defendant’s arrest. The defendant admitted his involvement during a July 17, 2023, police interview.
The case was prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney David J. Strollo.