On the night of March 18, 2022, Fredrick Shelby, a 43-year-old Black / African American male, was fatally shot on Stratford Avenue in Bridgeport, Connecticut. The incident occurred just before midnight, marking the city's third homicide of the year. Friends and family described Shelby as a beloved father who was dedicated to his family and worked two jobs.
The events leading to Shelby's death began inside Tae's Lounge, a bar located at 1014 Stratford Avenue.
An exchange of words took place between Shelby and another man, identified as 40-year-old Tivon Taylor. Following the verbal altercation, Taylor allegedly followed Shelby out of the bar. Witnesses reported that Shelby was shot from behind as he was leaving. Taylor is accused of shooting Shelby multiple times before walking away from the scene. Medics arrived to find Shelby with at least one gunshot wound and pronounced him dead at the scene, less than a mile from his home.
Bridgeport police investigated the homicide, and their efforts led to the arrest of Tivon Taylor on March 28, 2022. Taylor was charged with murder, carrying a pistol without a permit, and criminal possession of a firearm. During the investigation, Taylor admitted to shooting Shelby in a statement to investigators. His bond was set at $1 million.
