Derby police have 'strong suspect' in homicide case

By Bridget Albert
Register Staff
balbert@nhregister.com

DERBY – The shooting death of 22-year-old Javon Zimmerman early Saturday morning was a “targeted act of violence,” said police Lt. Justin Stanko Monday.

Stanko said the department has a “strong suspect” in the homicide, but police are surprised that very few people have come forward with information.

Although the department has worked around the clock since the 2 a.m. shooting in the parking lot of RJ’s Cafe at 148 Elizabeth St. Stanko said few people have provided police with information.

“People know what happened. They saw it. They have an obligation to come forward,” Stanko said. "This was 100 percent not random. There was a clear motive,” Stanko said.

Stanko said it appears the motive involved a dispute with a family member. He declined to elaborate.

The Derby Police Department is leading the investigation along with the assistance of the Connecticut State Police Major Crime Squad and the Ansonia Police Department.

A makeshift memorial was set up over the weekend at the shooting location. There are numerous candles and tea lights, balloons that read ‘I Love You” along with framed family photos. A woman passing the memorial said “This is so sad for his family and the other person’s family,”

The New Haven Register will update this story later. Check back for more updates.

The Derby Police Department has set up a confidential tip line that goes directly to a police investigator working on the case. Callers can remain anonymous if they prefer to. The number is 203-619-1906.