On a summer evening in Hartford, Connecticut, the life of a 33-year-old Black man named Simon Griffin was tragically cut short. On August 11, 2022, inside his own apartment on Laurel Street, what began as a social gathering took a violent turn. Griffin was with a 27-year-old friend when they were joined by a man known to him, 38-year-old Benjamin White.
The three men were smoking and drinking together when an argument erupted between Griffin and White concerning a past criminal offense White had committed.
The verbal dispute escalated dramatically when White left the room only to return moments later brandishing a firearm. He ordered both Griffin and his friend to get on the floor. White then opened fire, shooting both men. Simon Griffin suffered two gunshot wounds to the head and was pronounced dead at the scene. His friend, though critically wounded by a gunshot to the neck, survived the attack and was able to call 911 for help. He bravely provided a statement to the police detailing the horrific events that had transpired in the apartment.
Hartford Police Department's Major Crimes and Crime Scene Divisions launched an investigation and quickly identified Benjamin White as the suspect. A warrant was issued for his arrest, and on August 26, 2022, he was taken into custody by the Hartford Police Fugitive Task Force. White was charged with murder, first-degree assault, and criminal possession of a firearm.
In October 2025, Benjamin White faced a jury in the Superior Court in Hartford. Based on the evidence presented at the trial, including the crucial testimony of the surviving victim, the jury found White guilty of all charges. The Hartford Judicial District State's Attorney acknowledged the bravery of the survivor for coming forward to ensure justice was served for himself and his deceased friend. Benjamin White's sentencing is scheduled for January 2026.
