FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(New Haven, CT) - John P. Doyle Jr., State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New Haven, announced that a jury in New Haven Superior Court today found Rashad Hardy, age 49, of New Haven, guilty of the crimes of Murder, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-54a and Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 29-35(a). The Honorable Elpedio N. Vitale presided over the jury trial. Hardy was also convicted of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-217 in a separate proceeding that was tried before the court.
According to evidence introduced at trial, Hardy shot Ricky Newton, age 36, of New Haven, on Rosette Street in New Haven shortly before 5 p.m. on July 10, 2020. The victim was taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead from his wounds.
Authorities in Maryland, while executing a search warrant in an unrelated matter, found the defendant living in a group home. He was taken into custody on July 24, 2020, and extradited to Connecticut.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa R. Holmes and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Thomas J. Finnucan, who were assisted by Inspectors Sean Faughnan and Michael Mastropetre.
State’s Attorney Doyle would like to extend his gratitude to the New Haven Police Department for their investigative efforts, as well as the State of Connecticut Division of Scientific Services and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for their analysis and testimony.
Sentencing is scheduled for November 25, 2024 in New Haven Superior Court.