Victim's family speaks out 1 year later

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Nearly one year after the murder, the family of the victim is speaking out.

New Haven Police made an arrest in the case after detectives got the break they needed.

The murder happened on the corner of Grand Avenue and Lloyd Street nearly one year ago. Police say Edward Thompson was gunned down by 33-year-old Larry Johnson. Even though months passed, detectives never gave up on the case and never gave up on the family, and never gave up on justice for Eddie.

"I want to thank these detectives for working on this case," Lois Englehart said.

Englehart, a mother moved to tears at word of the arrest, and it turns out the man who allegedly shot her son was already serving time in prison on a drug conviction.

"What kind of criminal history does he have," asked News 8's Bob Wilson.

"He is a convicted felon and has drug arrests," said Det. Bertram Ettienne, NHPD.

"Does he have a long rap sheet," asked Wilson.

"Long enough," replied Det. Ettienne.

"How far back does it go," asked Wilson.

"Four or five years," Det. Ettienne said.

Police say it took a year of shoe leather and good old-fashioned detective work to make the arrest. It also took help from the community, the very community where Eddie used to live. Witnesses did eventually come forward and that is some comfort for Eddie's mother.

"My whole family and myself will always love my son," said Englehart, "and we'll always be there and miss him."

When Eddie's family says they will remember him forever, they mean it. It is still written on the sidewalk nearly a year after his death, "We Love you Eddie forever."

Nearly it also says "RIP Keith," another man neighbors say died on the same streets, and police say these crimes are personal and they are working hard to solve the cases.

"Today we bring justice to the family," said Chief Dean Esserman, NHPD, "they are never forgotten and the work never ends and the New Haven PD will stay the course."

So far this year New Haven detectives have solved 15 homicides going back as far as 2007. Monday at a news conference detectives stood shoulder to shoulder with officers on the street with their commanders, united to send a message to criminals in New Haven.

"You do not do a shooting in New Haven or homicide in New Haven with immunity," said Asst. Chief Archie Generoso, NHPD. "We are coming after you and we are going to get you, this is testament to that."