New Haven police have arrested a 13-year-old boy in connection with the shooting death of 15-year-old Career High School student Kaiden Phillips, officials said.
According to New Haven Police Chief Karl Jacobson, the suspect was arrested at his home on Friday.
Jacobson, Asst. Chief David Zannelli, and Mayor Justin Elicker announced the arrest during a press conference on Friday.
The suspect and the victim knew each other, and there may have been an ongoing conflict between them, Jacobson said.
Because the suspect is under 15-years-old, the case will be dealt with in juvenile court and the arrest warrant is sealed, police said. No further information about the case can be released.
“My hearts goes out to Kaiden Phillips’ family, a 15-year-old boy who had his whole life ahead of him and was taken in this tragic way,” Elicker said. “It is deeply troubling that a 13-year-old shot a 15-year-old. And while we can say that violent crime is going down in our cities, when something like this happens, it’s clear we have a lot more work to do. This is why we have so many youth programs, jobs programs, and outreach workers that engage with our young people.”
Philips was shot and killed near Bassett Street in New Haven on Saturday, Sept. 27, according to police. At the time, police said they believed the shooting happened at Lincoln-Bassett Community School after school hours and Philips walked down the street, where officers found him.
Shawn True, the principal at Career High School, released the following statement on social media.
“Kaiden was a hard worker, a solid student who held down a job and was active in the community. He loved basketball. He was a personable young man and well liked by his fellow students and his teachers, who already miss him greatly. Our hearts go out to Kaiden’s family, his friends, and to all in the community who knew him. This is a terrible loss. “
Stephen Underwood can be reached at sunderwood@courant.com
https://www.courant.com/2025/10/11/boy-13-arrested-in-fatal-shooting-of-15-year-old/
