“These convictions stemmed from the defendants' involvement, and multiple acts of violence against rival gang members, and innocent bystanders alike. Specifically, the trial evidence established that these individuals participated in no fewer than 10 acts of violence between 2017 and 2019,” U.S Attorney Vanessa Avery said.
The U.S. Attorney for the District of Connecticut announced during a Wednesday press conference that a grand jury returned guilty verdicts for Gabriel Pullium, 30, and Julian Scott, 25, for a string of violent crimes, including murder and racketeering.
“The gang members were responsible for shooting at least six other individuals during this time period, including shootings that happened during the day less than a block away from a school, then they posted on social media about their exploits,” Avery said.
They join 14 other members of the 960 gang serving time behind bars, five of them with life and prison sentences.
“This case serves as an illustration of what can happen when federal and state law enforcement agencies cooperate together, share resources and work together on important cases,” Maureen Platt, Waterbury district state's attorney, said.
Investigators at the state and federal level pooled resources to build a case strong enough to lead to convictions, but the early work of collecting evidence started in Waterbury, where many of the crimes occurred.
“A special thank you to the men and women of the Waterbury police department that dedicated countless hours over the last six years in investigating the 960 gang and bringing justice and some closure to the family of victims that were, this violence was perpetrated against,” Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo said.
Federal leaders said since the arrests of these gang members, they have already seen violent crime in the area go down. It’s a trend they hope will continue, as two additional members await formal charges for their role in 960 violence.
“Every Connecticut resident, regardless of race, ethnicity, or social economic status, deserves to live in a safe community,” Avery said. “No person or group of people is entitled to wreak havoc by engaging in repeated acts of violence, instilling fear and trauma in children and families who reside in our communities.”
Bridgette Bjorlo is an anchor and reporter at FOX61 News. She can be reached at bbjorlo@fox61.com. Follow her on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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