On July 9, 2011, 26-year-old John-Claude James, an African American man, was shot in the chest near Howard Avenue and Putnam Street in New Haven, Connecticut during what police described as a street robbery aimed at a gold chain he was wearing. He was taken to the hospital but died of his injuries, leaving behind children and grieving relatives.

Investigators identified two suspects, Zackery Cody Franklin and Earl Simpson, who fled to North Carolina within days. Simpson was arrested on July 29, 2011, in Greenville, North Carolina after a strong-arm robbery; New Haven police had issued a nationwide felony broadcast for both men. Authorities determined Franklin fired the fatal shot while Simpson acted as a lookout and helped them flee.

Simpson pleaded guilty to murder and received a 32 ½ year prison sentence. Franklin was convicted of murder, felony murder, and robbery and sentenced to 60 years. James’s mother, Sharon James Boyd, spoke of enduring grief and said she forgave Simpson because of her faith.

If anyone remembers John-Claude or saw activity near Howard Avenue and Putnam Street on July 9, 2011, please share what you know.