For 2020 Murder, New Haven Man, 49, Gets 65 Years In Prison: Judge

NEW HAVEN, CT — John P. Doyle Jr., State’s Attorney for the Judicial District of New Haven, announced that Rashad Hardy, 49, of New Haven, was sentenced to 65 years in prison for the 2020 murder of 36-year-old Ricky Newton.

According to Doyle and evidence introduced at trial, Hardy shot and killed Newton of New Haven, on Rosette Street in New Haven shortly before 5 p.m. on July 10, 2020. Newton succumbed to his injuries within minutes after the shooting, police said at the time.

Authorities in Maryland, while executing a search warrant in an unrelated matter, found Hardy living in a group home, Doyle said. An arrest warrant was secured for Hardy, and he was taken into custody on July 24, 2020, and extradited to Connecticut.

On Aug. 28, 2024, a jury in New Haven Superior Court found Hardy guilty of murder and carrying a pistol without a permit. In a separate proceeding that was tried before the court, he was also found guilty of criminal possession of a firearm.

Newton's family members attended the Nov.25, sentencing hearing, Doyle said.

"The Court heard from the son of the victim, who was 10 years old at the time of his father’s death. Judge Vitale noted Hardy’s extensive criminal history as well as the seriousness of the offense, referring to the shooting as an assassination," Doyle said.

The case was investigated by the New Haven Police Department and was prosecuted by Assistant State’s Attorney Melissa R. Holmes and Deputy Assistant State’s Attorney Thomas J. Finnucan, who were assisted by Inspector Sean Faughnan and Inspector Michael Mastropetre.

State’s Attorney Doyle would like to extend his gratitude to the New Haven Police Department for their investigative efforts, as well as the Connecticut Division of Scientific Services for their cooperation and assistance.