Two New Haven men have been charged with murder and related offenses in the March 2023 shooting that left a 25-year-old man fatally wounded near Dixwell Avenue, authorities announced.
The New Haven Police Department said officers responding to multiple 911 calls on March 15, 2023, located the gunshot victim, later identified as 25-year-old Ramon Yates of New Haven. Yates was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital and died two days later from his injuries.
Arrests and charges
Detective Michael Haines of the NHPD Major Crimes Unit led the investigation that produced probable cause for arrest, the department said. On July 11, police took into custody 20-year-old Talin Jackson and 19-year-old Devin Gardner, both of New Haven.
- Both men face charges of murder.
- They are also charged with conspiracy to commit murder and carrying a pistol without a permit.
- Each was held on a $2 million bond, according to police.
Victim and community context
According to public information and an obituary, Yates — known as "Ray Ray" to family and friends — played basketball in several leagues and participated in three high school championships. He enjoyed wrestling, video games and spending time with family. The obituary described him as quiet and soft-spoken with a warm personality.
"Ramon was quiet and soft spoken, yet witty, with a loving personality and contagious laughter which was felt by all whom he came in contact," the obituary said.
Next steps and local response
The New Haven Police Department has not released additional details about the circumstances leading to the shooting or any possible motive. Officials said the Major Crimes Unit developed probable cause through its investigation that led to last month's arrests.
Police and city officials have scheduled a news briefing to discuss the case further. Mayor Justin Elicker and Chief of Police David Zannelli were reported to be present at a briefing where Yates' family also attended, according to local reporting.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Date of shooting | March 15, 2023 |
| Victim | Ramon Yates, 25, New Haven resident |
| Arrest date | July 11 (year not restated) |
| Defendants | Talin Jackson, 20; Devin Gardner, 19 (both New Haven) |
| Charges | Murder; conspiracy to commit murder; carrying pistol without permit |
| Bond | $2,000,000 each |
For New Haven residents, the arrests close an investigative chapter but mark the beginning of a criminal case that will proceed through the courts. The police department's statement did not provide information about upcoming court dates or whether additional suspects are sought.
Anyone with information about the shooting who has not yet spoken with investigators is asked to contact the New Haven Police Department's Major Crimes Unit.
