On the Fourth of July in 2019, Richard A. McDonald Jr., a 22-year-old Black / African American male from Bridgeport, Connecticut, was fatally shot at the Charles F. Greene Homes housing complex. McDonald was reportedly socializing with friends behind one of the buildings when an individual approached and fired multiple shots at close range. He sustained a gunshot wound to the forehead and was rushed to St.
Vincent's Medical Center, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
The investigation into McDonald's death led Bridgeport police to identify a suspect through the use of surveillance footage that captured the getaway vehicle, a silver sedan. Witness testimony also played a crucial role in the investigation. In the months that followed, authorities pieced together the events of that day, leading to a significant breakthrough in the case.
On November 14, 2019, police arrested 20-year-old Charles “Ant” Bonilla of Stratford, Connecticut, and charged him with the murder of Richard McDonald. In addition to the murder charge, Bonilla faced several other serious offenses, including carrying a pistol without a permit, unlawful discharge of a firearm, and use of a firearm in the commission of a felony. Further investigation revealed that Bonilla had allegedly admitted to the shooting in the days following the incident. It was later reported by federal prosecutors that McDonald was a member or associate of the GHB/Hotz gang and that his killing was part of ongoing violence between rival gangs in Bridgeport. Bonilla was identified as a member or associate of the rival East End gang. Prior to his death, McDonald had a criminal record and had been released from prison shortly before the shooting after serving a sentence for possession of narcotics with intent to sell.
