In the quiet town of Woodbridge, Connecticut, the morning of June 8, 2021, was shattered by a grim discovery. A jogger happening upon the Pease Road Playground athletic fields found the body of 33-year-old Rondell Atkinson, a Black male from West Haven. He had been shot multiple times in what would unfold as a story of a robbery gone tragically wrong. Atkinson, who was working as an Uber driver, was without his wallet, cellphone, or any identifying information when he was found.
His gray Hyundai Sonata was also missing.
The investigation, a joint effort by the Woodbridge Police Department and the Connecticut State Police, soon began to piece together the events of the previous night. It was determined that on June 7, Atkinson had given a ride to two men who directed him to the playground. There, they intended to rob him. The investigation pointed to two suspects: Rickey Traynham and Jorden Rudel. In the course of the robbery, a struggle ensued. Fearing that Atkinson could later identify them, the two men shot him multiple times, leaving him for dead in the park and fleeing in his vehicle.
Within weeks, the investigation led to the apprehension of both suspects. Jorden Rudel was arrested, and he subsequently confessed his involvement to multiple family members, who would later testify at trial. On July 11, 2021, Rickey Traynham was also taken into custody. At the time of his arrest, he was found in possession of two firearms that were later confirmed to be the murder weapons.
Justice for Rondell Atkinson came through the court system. Rickey Traynham was found guilty of murder, felony murder, first-degree robbery, and conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery. He was sentenced to 80 years in prison. His co-defendant, Jorden Rudel, pleaded guilty to felony murder and received a 35-year prison sentence for his role in the senseless act of violence that cut short the life of Rondell Atkinson.
