Brandaja Azjree Florence Winston

Brandaja Azjree Florence Winston, a 28-year-old Black woman from Bridgeport, Connecticut, was standing on a sidewalk with friends in the early morning of August 17, 2024, when her life was tragically taken. At approximately 2:25 a.m., a vehicle drove by the group in the 1300 block of Stratford Avenue, and at least one occupant opened fire. Brandaja was struck by the gunfire and was pronounced dead at the scene by medics. A 30-year-old man who was with her was also shot multiple times and taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

The Bridgeport Police Department was alerted to the shooting by the city’s ShotSpotter system and calls from citizens who heard the gunshots. Later that night, a vehicle suspected of being involved in the homicide was located in New Haven. The driver led police on a chase before crashing into several parked cars and fleeing on foot. While the driver escaped, officers detained a passenger from the vehicle who was then questioned by Bridgeport detectives.

After a months-long investigation, police announced a significant development in December 2024. They arrested 34-year-old Terence Jermaine Gallimore, who was already in custody on unrelated domestic violence charges. He was charged with murder, conspiracy to commit murder, first-degree assault, criminal possession of a firearm, illegal possession of weapons in a motor vehicle, and illegal possession of an assault weapon. A judge set his bond at $2 million.

Terence Jermaine Gallimore was subsequently tried for his role in the shooting. He was convicted of murder and first-degree assault in connection with the fatal shooting of Brandaja Winston.

Despite the conviction, investigators believe multiple shooters were involved in the incident. As of Gallimore's conviction, the investigation remained active as police continued to search for others responsible for the shooting. Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Jeffrey Holtz at (203) 581-5293. Tips can also be reported anonymously to the Bridgeport Police Tips Line at (203) 576-TIPS.