Fourth arrest in Waterbury murder case

WATERBURY, CT (WFSB) – Detectives in Waterbury obtained an arrest warrant for a fourth suspect in connection with the murder of a man last year.

They identified the suspect as Jada Ellis, 20, of Waterbury.

She was accused of the murder of 18-year-old Joseph Zavala, which occurred on November 18, 2023. He succumbed to his injuries two days later.

According to court documents, Zavala was driving past the North End Rec Center in a car with a group of friends.

A juvenile witness reported to police that someone started shooting at the vehicle. The young witness told investigators, “I heard the shot and saw Joseph get hit.”

Zavala was shot in the head and taken to the hospital where he was pronounced dead.

Police knew there were four suspects from surveillance cameras in the area and described the shooting as a “targeted incident” that was gang-related.

Also arrested in connection with the case were 20-year-old Duane Mercer, 19-year-old Nigel Robinson and 16-year-old Terron McCray. The three were charged with murder and other counts.

Ellis was charged with conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a weapon in a motor vehicle.

She was held on $250,000 bail pending arraignment in court.

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