Cops: Killer’s Mom Was At The Wheel

Police announced the arrest of the young man they said shot 16-year-old Joshua Vasquez to death one and a half years ago — and arrested the alleged shooter’s mom as well.

Joshua Vasquez’s family and friends gathered at the Shack community center in West Hills Thursday to mourn his murder and to recognize police for arresting his alleged shooter, who is now 19 years old.

Vazquez was shot Dec. 19, 2022, at 4:22 p.m. while biking down Valley Street. The shots were fired from a moving black SUV that pulled up alongside him.

Police obtained surveillance video of the shooting, and a witness shared the license plate number with police. Using information from Bridgeport license plate readers, police linked the plate to a Toyota RAV4 registered to the suspect’s mother, who police said was driving the vehicle. She is charged with hindering prosecution for failure to come forward and criminal liability for aiding and abetting her son.

Her son is charged with murder, carrying a pistol without a permit, criminal possession of a firearm, criminal possession of a pistol/revolver, having a weapon in a motor vehicle, risk of injury to a minor, and first-degree reckless endangerment.

An arrest warrant has also been issued for a third suspect in the incident, an associate of the shooter’s mother, for allegedly tampering with evidence.

Assistant Police Chief Police Bertram Ettienne said the investigation consisted of ​“multiple formal interviews, the analysis of surveillance footage, [and] license plate readers” in both New Haven and Bridgeport, the shooter’s and his mother’s respective residences.

The press conference at the Shack Thursday follows nine non-fatal shootings in the past 12 days, said Police Chief Karl Jacobson. West Hills Alder Honda Smith, who grew close with Vazquez when he volunteered at The Shack, urged New Haven’s youth to ​“put down the guns.” She stressed the importance of extracurricular activities — such as Vazquez’s community service — and how they help students ​“honor their potential.”

“Value your life and your dreams. Everyone has a dream, aspiration, and a purpose. Gun violence shatters lives and dreams in an instant,” Smith said. ​“By staying away from gun violence, you protect your future and the future of those around you. Remember, your life is precious, and you have so much to offer the world.”

Vazquez, a student at the Metropolitan Business Academy, ​“gave great hugs, was always willing to lend a helping hand and crack good jokes,” said Mayor Justin Elicker. Vazquez volunteered to clean, distribute food to the hungry, and mow lawns for senior citizens.

Unique Trujillo, a close friend of Vazquez, spoke to his character and legacy to close out the press conference.

“That boy had a heart of gold,” Trujillo said. ​“He deserves justice. Justice for Josh, always.”