In the Fair Haven neighborhood of New Haven, Connecticut, the night of April 19, 2015, turned tragic for 16-year-old Jericho Scott, a White/Caucasian male. Shortly after midnight, the promising Wilbur Cross High School junior and gifted baseball player was fatally wounded in a drive-by shooting on Exchange Street, just outside his home. He was with friends at the time, and two other individuals were also wounded in the attack.
Jericho was rushed to Yale-New Haven Hospital, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The gunshots that echoed through the neighborhood were heard by his parents, who raced outside to find their son grievously wounded. They performed CPR for 24 minutes in a desperate attempt to save him.
The community was left in shock and mourning. Jericho was remembered as a kind and compassionate young man with an infectious smile, a beloved friend, and a talented athlete who had garnered attention for his exceptional pitching abilities since he was nine years old. Hundreds of people, including Mayor Toni Harp, gathered for his funeral at Ebenezer Chapel to pay their respects. Many wore t-shirts with his picture and messages of remembrance. His family described him as the missing piece to their puzzle, a young man who loved life and was loved by many in return.
The New Haven Police Department launched an investigation into the homicide, believing it was not a random act of violence. Investigators have stated they have evidence suggesting the group Jericho was with was targeted, though they do not believe he was the intended victim. A description of the shooter remains limited, with reports indicating the individual wore a white ski mask and fled the scene on foot after firing multiple shots. Police have also sought information on a silver 4-door Lexus or Toyota, or a newer model white Nissan, possibly a Sentra, that may have been involved.
Despite the ongoing investigation and a $50,000 reward offered by the state for information leading to an arrest and conviction, the case remains unsolved. No suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made in connection with Jericho Scott's murder. His family has continued to publicly plead for anyone with information to come forward, organizing marches to raise awareness about gun violence and to keep their son's memory alive in the hope that justice will one day be served. The community continues to feel the loss of a young life cut tragically short.
