In the early hours of a Saturday morning, the life of 25-year-old Deshawn Maysonet, a Black male from Hamden, Connecticut, was tragically cut short. On March 16, 2024, in the Annex neighborhood of New Haven, gunfire erupted on Fairmont Avenue, between East Ferry and Lancraft streets. A 911 caller reported hearing several gunshots that were believed to have stemmed from a fight in the area around 4:20 a.m.
By the time police arrived at the scene, Maysonet was already being privately transported to a nearby hospital. Despite the swift action to get him medical attention, Deshawn Maysonet succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.
Deshawn, who was born in New Haven on July 27, 1998, was known to his loved ones as "Hump" and "Jugg". He was remembered as a quiet and laid-back individual, but also as someone who knew how to enjoy life with his friends and had a deep and expressive love for his family. He was a devoted father to four young children and made it a priority to spend time with them and create lasting bonds. Having been educated in the Hamden Public School system, he later earned his G.E.D. and was praised for his excellent work ethic as a mechanic at Town Fair Tire.
The New Haven Police Department's Investigative Services Division is actively investigating Maysonet's death as a homicide. In the days following the shooting, authorities indicated that they believed the incident might be connected to an ongoing feud. This suspicion was heightened when two women were shot and sustained non-life-threatening injuries while attending a vigil for Maysonet on the evening of Sunday, March 17. The shooting at the vigil occurred near Hazel and Newhall streets after the city's gunshot detection system registered several rounds being fired.
As the investigation into Deshawn Maysonet's murder continues, no suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made. Law enforcement officials have appealed to the public for assistance, asking anyone who may have witnessed the incident or has any information that could be valuable to the investigation to come forward. Detectives can be reached at 203-946-6304, and anonymous tips can be submitted through the department's tip line at 866-888-TIPS.
