An argument that escalated into a physical fight on a New Haven street tragically ended the life of 26-year-old Daiquan Hyman, a Black/African American male from East Haven, on the afternoon of August 25, 2025. The altercation, which involved a group of men, quickly turned violent, leading to a fatal shooting on Dickerman Street. When police responded to the scene at approximately 2:12 p.m., they discovered Hyman and another man, 32-year-old Ernest Williams of New Haven, suffering from multiple
gunshot wounds. Both men were rushed to Yale New Haven Hospital, where Hyman was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. Williams succumbed to his injuries later that evening.
The initial investigation suggested the deadly encounter stemmed from a dispute that began on Whalley Avenue before moving to Dickerman Street, where the men had reportedly agreed to a "fair one" fight. Investigators utilized surveillance footage from various sources, including Ring cameras and local stores, as well as acoustic gunshot detection data, to piece together the events. This evidence revealed a chilling sequence of events. After Hyman was initially wounded and attempting to crawl away, the shooter fired four more shots at him.
Within two weeks of the shooting, on September 5, 2025, police arrested 39-year-old Sergio T. Thomas of New Haven in connection with the killings. He was taken into custody in Waterbury and charged with two counts of murder. A judge ordered him held on a $3 million bond. Authorities believe Thomas was called to the scene of the fight. Evidence gathered by police included phone location data, credit card records, and confirmation that Thomas had a valid pistol permit for a 9mm handgun, which was consistent with the weapon used in the shooting.
While the case against Thomas moves through the court system, his attorney has indicated an intention to argue self-defense, claiming Thomas was protecting his brother from a violent assault. According to the defense, the conflict was related to a dating relationship involving Thomas's brother and one of the victims' sisters. In the wake of the tragedy, Hyman's family stood with city leaders to plead for an end to violence and for accountability. Online tributes and memorials remembered Daiquan Hyman as a beloved son and father.
