On a cold January night in 2018, the life of Ronald Wayne Matheney, a 37-year-old Black / African American man from Hamden, Connecticut, was tragically cut short. On the evening of January 2nd, police were called to Wadley Street in New Haven to investigate reports of a shooting. Arriving at the scene around 10:45 p.m., they discovered two men inside a parked car, both suffering from gunshot wounds.
Matheney, who was in the driver's seat, had been shot multiple times.
The passenger, identified as Corey Bland, also from Hamden, was shot in the arm. Both men were rushed to Yale-New Haven Hospital for medical attention. Despite the efforts of medical staff, Matheney was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. Bland, however, was listed in stable condition and survived the attack.
Known to his loved ones as "Wayne" or "Riggs," Matheney was born and raised in New Haven. He had attended Eli Whitney and Hamden High Schools and worked as a car attendant and a cook. Described as a charming and stand-up guy with a memorable smile, he enjoyed playing basketball, riding dirt bikes, and spending time with his daughters and family.
In the immediate aftermath of the shooting, New Haven police launched a homicide investigation. Detectives remained in the neighborhood, canvassing for information and seeking assistance from the public. At the time of the initial reports, authorities had not released any description of a suspect or suspects, nor was there any information regarding a potential getaway vehicle. The investigation into who was responsible for Ronald Wayne Matheney's death was ongoing.
