A jury has convicted a man of murder and conspiracy charges in connection with the fatal shooting of a teenage man in Hamden in 2021 just weeks before the victim, a young father, was set to graduate high school.

A jury in New Haven Superior Court returned a guilty verdict last Friday against 22-year-old Lamont Quadir Smith-Reed of New Haven, according to the state Division of Criminal Justice. He was found guilty of murder and conspiracy to commit murder.

According to DCJ officials, the evidence presented at trial showed that Smith-Reed fatally shot 18-year-old Semaj Reddick-Streater of Hamden near a convenience store on May 30, 2021. He is alleged to have fired from a stolen vehicle that was recovered by investigators the next day.

Smith-Reed was charged in the death following an extensive investigation that lasted just under a year.

The case was investigated by the Hamden Police Department and was prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Seth R. Garbarsky and Assistant State’s Attorney Sarah E. Jones, who were assisted by Inspector Michael Mastropetre.

In a news release announcing the conviction, New Haven Judicial District State’s Attorney John P. Doyle, Jr., said he wanted to “extend his gratitude to the Hamden Police Department and Norwalk Police Department for their investigative efforts, as well as the FBI New Haven and the State of Connecticut Division of Scientific Services for their cooperation and assistance.”

Smith-Reed remains held on bonds totaling more than $2 million and is scheduled to face sentencing on Dec. 5.

According to an obituary, Reddick-Streater was a senior at ACES Whitney High School North who was just weeks away from graduating when he was gunned down. His mother was expected to accept his diploma on his behalf, the obituary said.

The obituary also said Reddick-Streater was a father who left behind a young daughter.

“Semaj left a huge impression on everyone he came into contact with,” the obituary said. “He was a soft-spoken, kind and respectful young man with a huge sense of humor. He could always make you smile, no matter how down you felt.

“Semaj never hesitated to lend a hand,” the obituary said. “He was known to help family, friends and neighbors with whatever task they were struggling with. Semaj was adventurous and always willing to try something new or see a new place. He loved taking trips and doing things with his family and friends.”

According to the obituary, Reddick-Streater volunteered for “many years” at community events in Hamden.

“He will be truly missed,” the obituary said.

https://www.courant.com/2025/09/24/ct-man-found-guilty-in-fatal-drive-by-shooting-of-teen-in-hamden/