Press Releases

New Haven Letterhead

08/12/2020

New Haven Man Sentenced to 70 Years in Prison for Murder and Criminal Possession of a Firearm

Patrick J. Griffin, New Haven State’s Attorney, announced that JOSHUA COUNCIL, age 33, of Quinnipiac Avenue, New Haven, was sentenced today by the Honorable Elpedio N. Vitale to 70 years in prison. Council's conviction stems from the shooting death of Kenneth Cooper, age 34, which occurred in the early morning hours of January 12, 2018, in the parking lot of Tiger Mart at 775 Whalley Avenue, New Haven. 

Council was found guilty by a jury on March 2, 2020, of Murder and Criminal Possession of a Firearm. 

State’s Attorney Griffin commended the investigative efforts of the New Haven Police Department, and Senior Assistant State’s Attorneys Stacey Miranda and Jason Germain, who prosecuted the case.  Griffin noted that the lengthy sentence imposed was reflective of the serious nature of the crime and the danger that Council posed to the Greater New Haven Community.