Press Release, Branford Police Department

September 18, 2024: The Branford Police Department has arrested three suspects in connection with a violent assault and torture incident that occurred in a wooded area within the town on September 1, 2024.

The suspects are alleged to have lured the victim to a remote location, where the victim was held against their will for approximately three hours and subjected to a series of brutal and heinous acts. During the period of captivity, the victim endured multiple forms of torture, including being physically assaulted, slashed, set on fire, pistol-whipped, and sexually assaulted. These traumatic and violent actions left the victim with serious injuries.

Police were made aware of the incident after receiving information about a video recording that captured a portion of the ordeal. Officers were able to identify and locate the crime scene. The victim was later found receiving treatment for their injuries at a local hospital.

Following a thorough investigation, arrest warrants were secured, and all suspects were apprehended without incident.

They were charged with the following:

Avante Ryan, age 22, of Hartford:

Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Sexual Assault in the 1st Degree CGS 53a-48/53a-70a, Assault in the 1st Degree CGS 53a-59, Conspiracy to Commit Assault in the 1st Degree CGS 53a-48/53a-59, Cruelty to Persons CGS 53-20 (a)(1), Conspiracy to Commit Cruelty to Persons CGS 53-20 (a)(1), Robbery 1st Degree CGS 53a-134, Conspiracy to Commit Robbery 1st Degree CGS 53a-48/53a-134, Criminal Use of a Firearm CGS 53a-216, Kidnapping 1st Degree with a Firearm CGS 53a-92a, Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping 1st Degree with a Firearm CGS 53a-48/53a-92a, Threatening 1st Degree 53a-61aa, and Risk of Injury to a Child 53-21(a)(1). He is currently in Branford Police custody and being held on a $1 Million Dollar bond. He will be arraigned at GA-23, New Haven Court tomorrow morning.

Juvenile One (17) and Juvenile Two (17) :

Aggravated Sexual Assault in the 1st Degree CGS 53a-70a, Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Sexual Assault in the 1st Degree CGS 53a-70a/53a-59, Assault in the 1st Degree CGS 53a-59, Conspiracy to Commit Assault in the 1st Degree CGS 53a-48/53a-59, Cruelty to Persons CGS 53-20, Conspiracy to Commit Cruelty to Persons CGS 53a-48/53-20, Robbery 1st Degree CGS 53a-134, Conspiracy to Commit Robbery 1st Degree CGS 53a-48/53a-134, Criminal Use of a Firearm CGS 53a-216, Kidnapping 1st Degree with a Firearm CGS 53a-92a, Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping 1st Degree with a Firearm CGS 53a-48/53a-92a, Threatening 1st Degree CGS 53a-61aa, and Risk of Injury to a Child CGS 53-21(a)(1). Both juveniles are currently being detained each on $1 Million Dollar Bonds.

At this time, the investigation has revealed this was an isolated incident. We are grateful for those in the community that provided information and cooperation. The Branford Police Department would also like to thank the New Haven State’s Attorneys Office, the Hartford Police Department, and the Judicial Marshals at Hartford Superior Court for their assistance.