Jury delivers guilty verdict on murder and firearm charges; sentencing set for May 22, 2026
New Haven Jury Convicts Man in 2019 Shelton Avenue Fatal Shooting
A New Haven jury found Michael Holmes, 41, guilty of murder and criminal possession of a firearm on March 13, 2026, nearly six and a half years after he shot and killed Curtis McCray on Shelton Avenue.
The verdict was delivered in New Haven Superior Court before Judge Maureen M. Keegan, who will also preside over sentencing. Holmes faces sentencing on May 22, 2026.
The 2019 Shooting
On October 26, 2019, Holmes shot McCray on Shelton Avenue in New Haven. McCray was found unresponsive in the street, suffering from two gunshot wounds. He was transported to Yale New Haven Hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
The New Haven Police Department's Homicide Unit led the investigation under Detective Steven Cunningham. The case proceeded through the courts over the following years before reaching trial.
Trial and Prosecution
The case was prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant State's Attorney Adrienne Russo of the New Haven Judicial District. The verdict was announced by the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice.
Holmes was charged under Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-54a (murder) and § 53a-217(a)(1) (criminal possession of a firearm). The jury found him guilty on both counts.
Judge Keegan will impose sentence on May 22, 2026. Under Connecticut law, first-degree murder carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 25 years. The criminal possession of a firearm charge carries additional penalties.
New Haven Homicide Investigations
New Haven has historically faced challenges with homicide clearance rates. The conviction of Holmes in the McCray killing represents a case that stretched from the original investigation in 2019 through arrest and, ultimately, trial.
New Haven is Connecticut's second-largest city, with approximately 134,000 residents. The city's police department has prioritized homicide investigations through its dedicated Homicide Unit, which handles complex cases requiring extended evidence gathering and witness coordination.
The Shelton Avenue corridor, where the 2019 shooting occurred, is a residential and commercial area in the western portion of the city. The shooting was among the homicides investigated by New Haven police that year.
What Comes Next
Sentencing for Holmes is scheduled before Judge Keegan on May 22, 2026. At that time, victim impact statements may be submitted, and the court will consider the appropriate sentence within Connecticut's statutory guidelines.
The Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice's New Haven Judicial District handles prosecution of serious felonies in the region. State's Attorney Russo's office confirmed the verdict in an official press release.
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