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Police: Stratford Man, 21, Charged In Fatal Shooting Of His Niece, 27

UPDATE: STRATFORD, Conn. — A 21-year-old Stratford man has been arrested in the fatal shooting of his 27-year-old niece early Sunday, the Stratford Police Department said Friday.

Michael “Buddha” Catchings

Michael “Buddha” Catchings

Photo Credit: Stratford Police Department
The Stratford Police Department has made an arrest in a fatal shooting on North Avenue early Sunday.

The Stratford Police Department has made an arrest in a fatal shooting on North Avenue early Sunday.

Photo Credit: Stratford Police Department

Michael “Buddha” Catchings was charged with manslaughter in the death of Raenetta Catchings, who was pronounced dead at Bridgeport Hospital, Stratford police Capt. Frank Eannotti said. 

Michael Catchings is the uncle of the deceased victim, Reanetta Catchings, Eannotti said. 

Michael Catchings turned himself in to officers as a result of a warrant for his arrest, he said.

The shooting occurred shortly after midnight Aug. 13 on the street in front of 1584 North Ave. after a verbal argument, he said.

A second victim was also shot and suffered critical injuries, but he survived, Eannotti said. 

Related story: Police Identify 27-Year-Old Stratford Woman Killed In Shooting

Michael Catchings is charged with first-degree manslaughter with a firearm, criminal use of a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a firearm without a permit, criminal attempt at murder, first-degree assault, first-degree threatening, first-degree reckless endangerment and second-degree breach of peace.

He is scheduled to appear in Bridgeport Court on Aug. 29. He was held on court-set bond of $500,000.

"The arrest comes after an intense investigation by the Stratford Police Department," Eannotti said.  

“I’d like to thank the Stratford Police Department for their diligence in their investigation and in making a timely arrest in this case,” said Stratford Mayor John Harkins. “This event was a tragedy on many levels, and it is my hope that those responsible will be brought to justice and the families of the victims can get some closure.”

This was the second homicide of the year in Stratford.

Andre Pettway, 27, of Bridgeport, was shot to death May 27 at 54 Garibaldi Ave.. Two people — Cris Concepcion, 24, of Bridgeport and Brandyn Ford, 24, of Stratford — have been charged with murder in that case.

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