NEW HAVEN, CT – A ruthless wave of violence orchestrated by the ‘Exit 8’ street gang has landed six alleged members in federal custody, accused of a reign of terror that includes two murders and a staggering ten attempted murders. The indictment, unsealed Monday, reveals a years-long pattern of racketeering activity fueled by drug trafficking and brazen gun violence plaguing the Elm City.
The six defendants – JAEDYN RIVERA, also known as “Jae Honcho,” 22; TYJON PRESTON, also known as “TJ,” 20; SAMUEL DOUGLAS, also known as “Blamm,” 24; QUAYMAR SUGGS, 19; KIVEON HYMAN, also known as “Tiny,” 25; and DONELL ALLICK, JR., also known as “D-Nice,” 24 – are alleged to have engaged in a systematic campaign of violence targeting rival gangs in New Haven’s Hill neighborhood and beyond. The indictment details a disturbing reliance on social media – Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and YouTube – to coordinate attacks, boast about their crimes, and distribute narcotics.
Federal investigators, working in concert with New Haven Police and state prosecutors, have been building the case against ‘Exit 8’ for years. The gang derives its name from the Interstate 91 exit serving a key area of the city. More recently, younger members have adopted the moniker “Honcho,” a tribute to a fallen member murdered on Quinnipiac Avenue in February 2020, signaling a clear escalation of the gang’s identity and aggression. The joint operation was announced by U.S. Attorney Vanessa Roberts Avery, State’s Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr., and heads of the ATF, FBI, DEA, and New Haven Police.
The indictment paints a grim picture of specific acts of violence. On June 16, 2018, DOUGLAS and HYMAN allegedly opened fire on a rival gang member and a bystander. On January 24, 2019, and July 14, 2019, further attempted murders were carried out by gang members. The violence intensified in the spring of 2021. On April 27, 2021, PRESTON and others allegedly attempted to murder an individual. Just days later, on May 3, 2021, RIVERA allegedly attempted to kill two rival gang members. The following week, on May 10th, another attempted murder occurred, again with an innocent bystander caught in the crossfire. And on May 11th, more shots were fired in yet another alleged attempt on a rival’s life.
SUGGS and HYMAN were arrested on March 24 and are currently being held without bail after appearing before U.S. Magistrate Judge Robert M. Spector. PRESTON was already in state custody since May 22, 2021, while RIVERA, DOUGLAS, and ALLICK were previously apprehended on unrelated federal charges. The unsealed indictment signals a major push to dismantle the ‘Exit 8’ gang and bring an end to the cycle of violence that has gripped New Haven.
This investigation remains ongoing, and federal prosecutors are prepared to pursue the maximum penalties for these alleged crimes. The charges carry significant prison sentences, and if convicted, these defendants could face decades behind bars. The Grimy Times will continue to follow this case and report on any further developments as they unfold, exposing the dark underbelly of organized crime in America’s cities.
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Key Facts
- Agency: ATF
- Category: Organized Crime|Violent Crime|Weapons
- Source: Official Press Release
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