A federal grand jury in Bridgeport has indicted 16 alleged members and associates of the "Stand On Business" (SOB) street gang in New Haven on a 19-count indictment, charging them with racketeering conspiracy, two murders, numerous attempted murders, drug trafficking, and firearms offenses. This indictment follows a long-term investigation by the Homeland Security Task Force into gang violence in the city.
The indictment, returned on June 17 and unsealed today, names individuals including Brian Backman, Emanuel Lowery, Shaquan Raghubir, and Kerwin Romero. Four defendants—Romero, Brian Redd, Shyon Edwards, and Ja'Twan Robinson—were arrested yesterday and are currently detained. The remaining defendants are in state custody and will be arraigned in federal court at a later date.
According to court documents, the SOB gang, also known as "Get Back Gang" and "Everybody Killers," originated in New Haven's "Hill" neighborhood and has engaged in a violent gang war with rival groups like the "Exit 8" gang, "24-Hour Shorty," and "Sleepy Land Bitches." The indictment alleges that since 2019, SOB members have committed at least two murders and multiple attempted murders, often promoting their criminal acts through social media and rap songs. Specific violent acts detailed include the fatal shootings of Kaymar Tanner on July 18, 2020, and Semaj Reddick on May 30, 2021, along with numerous attempted murders targeting rival gang members and, in some instances, unintended victims. The charges also cover the use of machine gun conversion devices and drug distribution.
U.S. Attorney David X. Sullivan emphasized the severity of the charges, saying, "This indictment describes a cycle of gang warfare that has plagued the streets of New Haven for years. What is truly alarming, and tragic, is the collective ages of these young men who have chosen a path of extreme, unchecked violence. Their alleged actions demonstrate a reckless disregard for human life and the safety of innocent bystanders."
New Haven Police Chief David Zannelli noted that the investigation demonstrates that "only a small number of people commit the majority of gun violence in our community," adding, "This indictment proves that we do not forget, and that those who perpetrate the most serious offenses will be identified and held accountable for their actions." Hamden Police Chief Edward Page Reynolds added, "While our hearts and prayers remain with the victims’ loved ones, we hope this outcome brings some measure of peace and serves as a reminder that justice may take time, but we will never stop pursuing it."
The investigation involved a collaborative effort from the ATF, FBI, DEA, New Haven Police Department, Hamden Police Department, and the Connecticut Department of Correction. U.S. Attorney Sullivan stressed that an indictment represents allegations, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. The U.S. Attorney's Office, alongside its partners, remains committed to dismantling violent networks and restoring peace to neighborhoods.