WEST HAVEN, Conn. — A $50,000 reward is being offered in a case that went cold nearly four years ago. In August 2020, 39-year-old Jawara Stennett was shot dead on an entrance ramp to I-95 in West Haven, but police still do not know who did it.
Detectives believe there were witnesses to the crime, who might feel motivated to come forward, now that this reward money is on the table.
“We believe there is a witness who may have witnessed something. Again, it may have seemed insignificant to them at the time, but in totality, it could be an important piece of our puzzle in terms of the investigation,” Sgt. Michael Beauton, with the Connecticut State Police, said at a news conference.
He said investigators are specifically hoping to speak with a person who was driving a White Lexus GX 460 SUV at the time and day of the shooting. That person was last seen driving on Campbell Avenue in West Haven, and police believe they might have information that could help solve the investigation.
“Mr. Stennett’s family deserves to know what happened,” Margaret E. Kelley, Ansonia/Milford Judicial District State’s Attorney, said.
The Stennett’s hope the money can deliver a semblance of closure as they still struggle to process their loss.
“I miss my son greatly every day. Every day is a weight on my shoulder, and you know I cry constantly when I remember my son and the way he died; it was terrible.”
The family, police and state’s attorney vow to not rest until justice is served.
“We’re asking anyone that saw anything, we greatly appreciate them to step forward and just to give us (something) and let us feel more comfortable in our skin to know that something has been done,” Jawara’s stepmother said.
----
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.
----
Do you have a story idea or something on your mind you want to share? We want to hear from you! Email us at newstips@fox61.com.
----
HERE ARE MORE WAYS TO GET FOX61 NEWS
Download the FOX61 News APP
iTunes: Click here to download
Google Play: Click here to download
Stream Live on ROKU: Add the channel from the ROKU store or by searching FOX61.
Steam Live on FIRE TV: Search ‘FOX61’ and click ‘Get’ to download.