Man Convicted Of Murder, Robbery In Woodbridge

WOODBRIDGE, CT — A man accused of fatally shooting a victim in Woodbridge in 2021 has been convicted of murder, according to a statement from prosecutors. A jury convicted Rickey Traynham in a trial that concluded Tuesday at New Haven Superior Court.

Traynham, of New Haven, was found guilty of murder, felony murder, first-degree robbery, and conspiracy to commit first-degree robbery. In a separate proceeding, he was also found guilty of criminal possession of a firearm and possession of a pistol without a permit.

According to prosecutors, Traynham shot the victim, Rondell Atkinson, of West Haven, multiple times during a robbery at the Pease Road Playground in Woodbridge on June 7, 2021. Traynham then took off in his car, leaving the victim to die in the parking lot.

A jogger found Atkinson's body the next day. Traynham was implicated in the homicide when codefendant Jorden Rudel confessed his involvement in the robbery to family members who testified at the trial.

Police found Traynham in possession of two murder weapons when he was arrested July 11, 2021.

"We are grateful to the Woodbridge Police Department, Connecticut State Police, and Division of Scientific Services for their tireless work on this investigation," State's Attorney John Doyle said in a statement. "Rondell Atkinson was an upstanding member of the community who fell victim to a senseless act of violence. Though nothing will bring him back, we are happy to see justice for Rondell and his loved ones."

Traynham is scheduled for sentencing Aug. 2.

See related: Woodbridge Police Make 2nd Arrest In Murder Of West Haven Man