Shortly before 6:00 a.m. on May 18, 2021, gunfire erupted near George and Orchard Streets in New Haven. Emergency responders found 44-year-old Hopeton Jack with fatal gunshot wounds; he was pronounced dead at the scene. Jack was originally from New York, had family in New Haven, and a last known address in Waterbury.

City leaders publicly addressed the killing as New Haven struggled with a spike in violence. Then-Acting Police Chief Renee Dominguez and Mayor Justin Elicker said police had seized 191 firearms so far that year and appealed to the community for any information, including anonymous tips, to identify those responsible.

Detectives canvassed the area and described having substantial evidence, but investigators said key information likely rested with people in the neighborhood. By the end of 2021 the case remained unsolved and became one of 22 open homicide investigations from that year in New Haven. If anyone knew Hopeton Jack or saw or heard anything near George and Orchard Streets on the morning of May 18, 2021, please come forward with information.