NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) — Three New Haven men, who police say killed a clerk at the Pay Rite Food Store in the city on April 6, have been arrested and charged with the crime.
New Haven police and U.S. Marshals arrested 22-year-old Dwayne Sayles on Thursday morning in the death of Sanjay Patel. They say he is one of two gunmen suspected of fatally shooting the clerk at the Forbes Avenue store.
“Over the past month New Haven Police detectives have not stopped investigating this case,” said Chief Dean Esserman.
Officials say two other men allegedly involved in Patel’s death, 22-year-old Leighton Vanderberg and 24-year-old Jamal Sumler, are already in custody on other charges. Vanderberg was arrested on April 15, charged with killing Jose Salgado at his Bridgeport store, Sapiao’s Grocery, on Lexington Avenue.
Sayles is charged with felony murder, murder, criminal possession of a pistol, and first-degree robbery.
Patel’s pregnant wife stood with police Friday morning as a statement was read on her behalf. “I miss him. I still wait everyday thinking he’s coming home from work,” said Ronak Shah, family spokesperson.
