A memorial for Jajuan Benavides on Anson Street in Derby last week.
The investigation into a fatal shooting in Derby took a step forward last week when police seized a Jeep Cherokee believed to be connected to the crime.
The state police major crime squad, Derby detectives, and Seymour police served a search warrant Friday at a property on Skokorat Street near Bunting Road in Seymour.
Police were at the property for most of the day. No arrests have been made, but police are obviously trying to build a case.
Derby police Lt. Justin Stanko confirmed Monday that the heavy police in Seymour Friday was connected to the Aug. 11 killing of 21-year-old Jajuan Benavides on Anson Street in Derby.
“(A) vehicle was seized connected to suspects in (the) shooting,” Stanko told The Valley Indy Monday. “CSP major crime and Derby detectives are processing it as we speak.”
Benavides, a former Derby student who grew up on Hawkins Street, was shot several times on Anson Street about 2 a.m. Aug. 11.
The dispute started on Sixth Street, with Benavides running down Anson Street before collapsing near West Fourth Street across from a senior citizen housing complex.
No other injuries were reported.
In the first 48 hours after the shooting, some 14 to 16 detectives had interviewed 30 to 40 people as part of the investigation.
Both Stanko and Benavides’ cousin said they were frustrated that more eyewitnesses to the shooting have not stepped forward to talk to police.
“(The investigation) is progressing and we are confident of an arrest,” Stanko said. “It would progress at an exponentially faster pace with more cooperation.”
Anyone with information should call police at 203 – 735-7811 or 203 – 619-1906.
Calling hours for Benavides, who lived in Naugatuck, are scheduled for Friday, Aug. 25, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Funeraria Luz de Paz, (Peaceful Light Funeral Home), 426 East Washington Ave. in Bridgeport.
He will be buried at Park Cemetery in Bridgeport, according to his obituary.
He was survived by his mother, Keya Howard; a daughter, Mela J. Benavides; siblings Elijah J. Howard and Honesty Harris, along with his paternal grandparents, Carmen Lopez and Roberto Lopez, and his maternal grandparents, Barbara Howard and Elijah Gregg.
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