Marquis Isreal, Bridgeport Courthouse Shooting, Connecticut 2020
Violence Erupts Outside Bridgeport Courthouse
A January shooting outside a state courthouse in Bridgeport, Connecticut, has left four men injured and has sparked a larger investigation into gang activity in the city. According to a federal indictment unsealed on August 5, five Bridgeport men have been charged with multiple offenses stemming from the shooting.
The indictment charges Marquis Isreal, 24; Asante Gaines, 23; Destine Calderon, 25; Diomie Blackwell, 23; and Laheem Jones, 25, with assault with a dangerous weapon, attempted murder, and conspiracy to commit murder and assault. Isreal is also charged with using and discharging a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence and possession with intent to distribute heroin, cocaine base, and fentanyl.
The shooting occurred on January 27, 2020, at 12:11 p.m. outside the state courthouse at 172 Golden Hill Street in Bridgeport. Four men were shot while sitting inside a black Chevrolet Impala, with one victim, Trevon Wright, left paralyzed. The victims' vehicle had approximately 23 entry bullet holes in the driver's side and windshield area.
The indictment alleges that the shooting is part of a larger ongoing investigation targeting the Greene Homes Boys, a group based in the Charles F. Greene Homes Housing Complex in Bridgeport's North End. The group, also known as the Hots, is involved in narcotics trafficking and numerous acts of violence, including murder. Members of the group have formed alliances with other Bridgeport groups to target rival gang members.
Isreal, Calderon, Blackwell, and Jones were arrested today and appeared before U.S. Magistrate Judge Holly B. Fitsimmons via video conference. They are being detained. Gaines is currently detained in state custody on unrelated charges.
The federal charges against the five defendants are the result of an extensive investigation conducted by the FBI, ATF, DEA, U.S. Marshals, and Bridgeport Police.
Key Facts
- State: Connecticut
- Category: Violent Crime
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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