HAMDEN, Conn. — A suspect in the murder of 15-year-old Elijah Gomez last month was arrested and is being held on a $1 million bond, police announced Monday.
Jenigh Ward, 18 of Hamden, was charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder and carrying a pistol without a permit. He will appear in court on June 13.
The case is still being investigated, police said they are looking into reports of multiple people involved and more arrests could be coming. Police said Gomez was targeted but they are still trying to determine why.
"He by all accounts was a very good, very decent Hamden High School freshman, who certainly didn't deserve this," Acting Chief Timothy Wydra said.
The teen's death has had a profound impact on his family and the community, said Mayor Lauren Garrett.
Gomez, 15, of New Haven, was fatally shot and killed on May 9 in Hamden, while walking home from school. The teen, who officials said was well-liked, was a high school freshman and just celebrated a birthday a week earlier.
He is remembered as someone who loved spending time outdoors and was an athlete, whether it was playing basketball at a local park or on the football field for his school.
"Elijah Gomez was a very loved, and respected young man. 15-years-old. He loved playing football for Hamden, he loved his teammates," Garrett said.
Police were called to the Farmington Canal Linear Park, near Treadwell Street, on a report of a shooting at around 2:30 p.m. When they arrived, they found a gunshot victim on the canal line. First responders attempted life resuscitation efforts but were unsuccessful.
A makeshift memorial now sits along the trail, as the community grapples with the loss.
"There's nothing we can do to bring Elijah back but I hope that this arrest brings some small measure of relief to Elijah's family and friends. We must do more to stem the scourge of gun violence in our community and in our state," Garrett said.
Gaby Molina is a reporter and anchor at FOX61 News. She can be reached at gmolina@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Doug Stewart is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. He can be reached at dstewart@fox61.com.
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