Printer Friendly Version - East Haven Police Make Arrest in 2022 Homicide

Willie Jamel Thompson, 47, of New Haven, was arrested by the East Haven Police Department and charged with murder and three other crimes following the investigation of a homicide which took place in town in August 2022. Photo courtesy of East Haven Police Department

On Oct. 9, the East Haven Police Department (EHPD) announced a significant development in the investigation of the Aug. 6, 2022 homicide which took place at Bullseye Billiards & Bar on 655 Main Street in East Haven. After an extensive and thorough investigation, an arrest has been made in connection with the tragic death of Julius Bolden-Lowe, who was a 26-year-old resident of Southington.

On Oct. 8, Willie Jamel Thompson, 47, of New Haven was taken into custody without incident by the New Haven Safe Streets Task Force in connection to the homicide of Bolden-Lowe in which two other individuals were injured.

Thompson was transported to the EHPD, where he was charged with murder, criminal possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, criminal possession of a pistol/revolver by a convicted felon, and carrying a pistol without a permit. Thompson is being held on a $2,000,000 bond and was scheduled to appear in court on Oct. 9.

This investigation began during the early morning hours of Aug. 6, 2022, when officers were dispatched to Bullseye Billiards & Bar in East Haven for a report of a shooting. Upon officers’ arrival, it was determined that an altercation inside the bar had turned physical and ultimately led to a shooting. Three victims were located on-scene. All three were treated by East Haven Fire Department personnel before being transported to Yale New Haven Hospital. Bolden-Lowe later died at the hospital.

EHPD Chief Edward Lennon provided a statement on the effort which led to Thompson’s arrest.

“This arrest marks a pivotal moment in our commitment to delivering justice for Julius Bolden-Lowe and his family,” Lennon said. “Our detectives, along with our law enforcement partners, have worked tirelessly over the past two years to ensure that every possible lead was thoroughly investigated. It is our hope that this arrest marks the beginning of closure and justice for the family of Julius Bolden-Lowe.”

This investigation, led by EHPD Detective Jon Trinh and other members of the East Haven Police Investigative Services Division, along with State Police Major Crimes, FBI New Haven, DEA New Haven, and the New Haven States Attorney’s Office, spanned several years of tireless and unwavering investigative efforts. Detective Trinh’s tenacity, attention to detail, and commitment to seeking justice for Bolden-Lowe were instrumental in making this arrest.

The EHPD extends its deepest condolences to the family and loved ones of Julius Bolden-Lowe. While this arrest cannot undo the pain of their loss, it is the hope of the EHPD that this step brings them some measure of peace. The EHPD remains committed to seeking justice for all victims and holding those responsible and accountable for their actions. The EHPD thanks the community for its continued support and cooperation throughout this investigation.