In the Edgewood section of New Haven, Connecticut, a burst of violence on the afternoon of January 5, 2024, shattered the neighborhood's calm and marked the city's first homicide of the year. Gregory Perez, a 45-year-old Hispanic / Latino male, was shot and killed following an argument that took place outside a residence on Carmel Street. The incident occurred at approximately 1:54 p.m.
near the intersection with Percival Street.
Police officers were dispatched to the Carmel Street home after receiving a report of a person shot. Upon their arrival, they discovered Perez suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel from the New Haven Fire Department and American Medical Response were summoned to the scene and attempted to render aid. Despite their efforts, Perez succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators found ballistic evidence at the location, although the city's ShotSpotter system was not activated during the incident. At the time, police officials stated that they believed the shooting was targeted and that there was no immediate threat to the general public.
For months, the case remained under investigation by the New Haven Police Department's Major Crimes Unit. Through the diligent work of detectives, a suspect was identified. In early May 2025, an arrest was made in connection with Perez's death. Oscar Darius, a 29-year-old resident of New Haven, was taken into custody and charged with murder and carrying a pistol without a permit.
Darius was already in custody on charges related to four other separate incidents, including a different shooting that occurred in 2021. A judge set his bond for the murder charge at $1 million. The lead detective on the case was able to secure an arrest warrant after a thorough investigation. The family of Gregory Perez was present at a press conference where police officials announced the arrest, bringing some measure of closure to a case that had deeply affected the community.
