Nearly one and a half years after Daryl Rhys Venson was gunned down on a street corner in Ansonia, his father said the police aren’t doing enough to bring his son’s killer to justice.
Shawn Venson’s frustration was readily apparent during a march in Ansonia Saturday that began on Root Avenue where his son was murdered and ended next to Ansonia City Hall.
Venson criticized the leadership of both Mayor James Della Volpe and Ansonia Police Chief Kevin Hale. Ansonia officials also aren’t doing enough to prevent violence among young people, Venson said.
Daryl Rhys Venson, 25, was shot and killed on March 9, 2011.
About 150 people participated in Saturday’s march, led by a contingent of motorcyclists who revved their engines while the marchers chanted “staying alive — 25!”
In his remarks at City Hall, Venson touched on numerous grievances that minority residents of Ansonia have had over the years with City Hall and the police department, including the arrest of an African-American police officer who was accused of stealing a city-owned garden hose.
The case went to trial and the officer was cleared of the charge.
Venson told the march participants at City Hall that the police refuse to give him any information about the investigation into his son’s murder, and said they told victim’s services that his son contributed to his own death.
“How could they say that if they don’t have an arrest to back that up?” he demanded. “After two years, you can’t tell me they don’t know who shot my son.”
In an interview in March, Ansonia police said they have a suspect in Venson’s killing.
In an e‑mail Sunday to the Valley Indy, Hale said Ansonia police are working the case.
“We are confident as to what led the parties to the scene that night; what we are trying to determine is who pulled the trigger,” Hale said. “We have received little cooperation from those individuals associated with the victim concerning the details surrounding the shooting. We continue to ask for the public’s help in solving this crime.”
Anyone with information should call police at 203 735 1885.
Venson also said he believes there are Ansonia residents who know who shot his son. He urged them to come forward and report what they know.
“I know what it’s like to be in trouble, to not have anything to do, and the next thing you know you’re on the corner with drugs and a gun in your hand,” he said.
Venson, an Ansonia resident, is a high school and Pop Warner coach, helps run the local youth basketball leagues and has ties to the Boys and Girls Club.
He also criticized the city’s decision to cut back on freshman sports at Ansonia High School, because it would give younger teens a positive way to occupy their time.
“We want something different for our town. We want something different for our streets,” he said.
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