Dillon Cornelius, an 18-year-old Black male from West Haven, was fatally shot in downtown New Haven in the early morning hours of August 17, 2025. Police found him lying facedown on College Street, between Crown and Chapel Streets, with multiple gunshot wounds; he was taken to Yale New Haven Hospital and pronounced dead a short time later. The scene stretched for several blocks and shell casings and damage to storefronts and vehicles indicated a chaotic exchange of gunfire.

Surveillance footage reviewed by detectives showed Cornelius drawing a handgun and firing at a man identified as Suspect #1 after that person had fallen; Suspect #1 returned fire and two other gunmen at Chapel and College also began shooting. No weapon was found on or near Cornelius, and officers say 19-year-old Wade F. Johnson Jr. was captured on video manipulating items near Cornelius’s waistband and leaving the scene. Johnson was arrested on charges including evidence tampering, carrying a pistol without a permit, and criminal possession of a firearm.

A 25-year-old, Kareem Dixon, was also taken into custody as a parole absconder and a Glock with extended magazines was seized; investigators say the gun may match casings from the scene.

If anyone was in the College and Chapel area that night or has footage or information about the people seen on surveillance, please share what you know with investigators.