On the night of September 25, 2019, Torrick Johnson, a 39-year-old Black or African American man, was shot and killed at the Southwood Square Apartments in Stamford, Connecticut. The incident occurred around 11 p.m. on a sidewalk in front of 104-108 Montauk Drive, where a group of approximately eight people had gathered. Johnson, who most recently resided in Bridgeport but sometimes stayed at his mother's home in the complex, was found by police behind one of the buildings with multiple gunshot
wounds. He was transported to Stamford Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. Investigators stated that Johnson was intentionally targeted.
The investigation into Johnson's death led to a swift arrest. Within 40 hours of the shooting, Stamford police took 53-year-old Michael Antonio James, Sr. into custody. The arrest was aided by witness cooperation, with many people reportedly disgusted by the "senselessness" of the act. Surveillance video also captured the shooting, showing James firing at Johnson multiple times. According to the arrest affidavit, James shot at Johnson three times, and after he fell, stood over him and shot him two more times.
Michael Antonio James was charged with murder, first-degree assault, and unlawful discharge of a firearm. His bond was initially set at $350,000 but was later increased to $2 million due to his violent past. During his arraignment, someone in the courtroom shouted "murderer" as he was led away. James was later found competent to stand trial. Further investigation revealed that just six hours after killing Johnson, James allegedly shot another man three times in Stamford's South End, leading to additional charges of first-degree assault, illegal discharge of a firearm, and criminal possession of a firearm.
