Bridgeport Man Could Face Death Penalty In Baseball Bat Beating Of Rival

[Granny B]

Bridgeport Man Could Face Death Penalty In Baseball Bat Beating Of Rival, 2 Others
Federal Prosecutors To Seek Execution On Friday
May 23, 2011|By EDMUND H. MAHONY, emahony@courant.com

The leader of a Bridgeport drug gang could face a death sentence after a federal jury, deliberating for only three hours on Monday, convicted him of beating to death a small-time rival and two others with a baseball bat.

Federal prosecutors said they will pursue the death penalty for Azibo Aquart, 30, who led a crew selling crack cocaine at the Charles Street apartments in Bridgeport. Aquart, his brother and two other men were accused of using duct tape to bind the victims before beating them to death.

Aquart and the three others are being prosecuted separately for the Aug. 24, 2005, deaths of Tina Johnson, 43; James Reid, 40; and Basil Williams, 54; all of Bridgeport.

During the summer of 2005, prosecutors said that Aquart became involved in a dispute with Johnson, who lived on Charles Street and sometimes sold small quantities of crack without Aquart's permission.

On the morning of the beating deaths, prosecutors said, Aquart and the others pushed their way into Johnson's apartment, where they found her with Reid and Williams, both of whom apparently had nothing to do with the dispute. Reid was Johnson's boyfriend and Williams was a house painter who apparently was visiting.

After binding Johnson and her two guests with duct tape, prosecutors said, Aquart and his gang members bludgeoned them with baseball bats. One of the assailants also screwed the door to Johnson's residence closed from the inside after the attack, according to evidence presented in court.

The jury that heard the case at U.S. District Court in New Haven found Aquart guilty of conspiring to commit murder in aid of racketeering and committing three murders in an effort to protect his drug-dealing business. In addition, the jury found that the murders were drug-related and that Aquart was guilty of selling crack.

Among the evidence that prosecutors presented to the jury was one of Aquart's fingerprints found on a piece of duct tape taken from the apartment where the beatings took place. Prosecutors also presented evidence that Aquart's gang regularly resorted to violence to protect drug sales.

The conviction Monday means that Aquart faces a sentence of life in prison without parole. But federal prosecutors said Monday that they will ask for a death sentence and will begin presenting evidence at a penalty phase of the trial Friday at U.S. District Court in New Haven.

The penalty phase will be argued before U.S. District Judge Janet B. Arterton, who presided over the trial, which began April 20.

Murder charges remain pending against two of the men accused of participating in the beating with Aquart, including his brother. The third accomplice pleaded guilty to murder charges and testified against Aquart.

http://articles.courant.com/2011-05-23/news/hc-federal-death-penalty-0524-20110523_1_duct-tape-penalty-phase-murder-charges

[Granny B]

Jury Finds Azibo Aquart Guilty of Federal Murder Charges Death Penalty Phase of Trial to Begin on May 27


David B. Fein, United States Attorney for the District of Connecticut, and Assistant Attorney General Lanny A. Breuer of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division, announced that a federal jury in New Haven has found AZIBO AQUART, also known as “Azibo Smith,” “Azibo Siwatu Jahi Smith,” “D,” “Dreddy,” and “Jumbo,” 30, of Bridgeport guilty of the August 24, 2005 murders of Tina Johnson, 43; James Reid, 40, and Basil Williams, 54. The trial before United States District Judge Janet Bond Arterton began on April 20 and the jury returned the verdicts today after approximately three hours of deliberations.

According to the evidence disclosed during the trial, AQUART was the founder and leader of a drug trafficking group that primarily sold crack cocaine out of an apartment building located at 215 Charles Street in Bridgeport. AQUART and his associates participated in acts of violence, such as threats and assaults, to maintain their control over the group’s drug distribution activities at the Charles Street Apartments. In the summer of 2005, AQUART and his associates became involved in a drug trafficking dispute with Tina Johnson, a resident of 215 Charles Street who sometimes sold smaller quantities of crack cocaine without the approval of AQUART. On the morning of August 24, 2005, AQUART and others entered Johnson’s apartment, bound Johnson, her boyfriend James Reid and friend Basil Williams with duct tape, and brutally beat the victims to death with baseball bats. AQUART and others then drilled the front door of the apartment shut from the inside.

In addition to witness testimony, the government offered extensive forensic evidence gathered from Johnson’s apartment, including fingerprints and evidence that contained DNA from AQUART and his co-conspirators. AQUART’s fingerprint was found on a piece of duct tape recovered from the crime scene.

The jury found AQUART guilty of conspiring to commit murder in aid of racketeering and committing the racketeering murders of Johnson, Reid and Williams. The jury also found AQUART guilty of committing three counts of drug-related murder. Finally, AQUART was found guilty of one count of conspiracy to possess with intent to distribute 50 grams or more of cocaine base (“crack cocaine”).

AQUART faces a mandatory lifetime term of imprisonment. The government is seeking the death penalty, and the presentation in evidence in the death penalty phase of the trial is scheduled to begin on Friday, May 27.

This case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bridgeport Police Department, Connecticut State Police, Connecticut Department of Correction’s Intelligence Unit, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, United States Marshals Service, Bridgeport States Attorney’s Office and U.S. Attorney’s Office.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorneys Tracy L. Dayton, Peter D. Markle, Alina P. Reynolds of the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut, and Trial Attorney Jacabed Rodriguez-Coss of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division, Capital Case Unit.

http://www.cnpressrelease.com/blog/?p=51

[Granny B]

Man convicted in triple homicide
Published 05/24/2011 12:00 AM


New Haven (AP) - A Bridgeport man was convicted Monday of killing three people in the city in 2005 by a jury that will decide whether he should receive the death penalty.

Azibo Aquart was found guilty in U.S. District Court on the jury's first day of deliberations on three counts of murder in aid of racketeering, three counts of drug-related murder and other charges. The penalty phase is scheduled to start Friday.

A message seeking comment from his lawyer, Justin Smith, wasn't immediately returned.

Aquart, 30, was one of three men charged in the beating deaths of three people during drug gang wars in Bridgeport. Authorities say Aquart was the leader of a drug-dealing group that primarily sold crack cocaine.

Authorities say 43-year-old Tina Johnson, her 40-year-old boyfriend James Reid and 54-year-old friend Basil Williams were killed in an apartment.

The victims were bound with duct tape and beaten with baseball bats, authorities said. Aquart and others drilled the front door of the apartment shut from the inside, prosecutors said.

Prosecutors presented forensic evidence during the trial, including DNA from Aquart. They say Aquart and his associates were involved in a drug trafficking dispute with Johnson.
http://www.theday.com/article/20110524/NWS12/305249945/-1/NWS

[AnneTheBelgian]

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/d72b28662de14743871c4c885a8e4a48/CT--Bridgeport-Deaths/

Hearing will determine whether Bridgeport man should get death penalty for killings

* THE ASSOCIATED PRESS 
   
* First Posted: May 29, 2011 - 1:15 pm
     
* Last Updated: May 29, 2011 - 1:15 pm

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A jury that convicted a Bridgeport man of killing three people in the city in 2005 will now decide whether he should receive the death penalty.

Azibo Aquart was found guilty in U.S. District Court in New Haven on May 23 on the jury's first day of deliberations on three counts of murder in aid of racketeering, three counts of drug-related murder and other charges. The penalty phase starts Tuesday.

The 30-year-old Aquart was one of three men charged in the beating deaths of 43-year-old Tina Johnson, her boyfriend James Reid and friend Basil Williams in an apartment. Authorities say Aquart, the leader of a drug-dealing group that primarily sold crack cocaine, and his associates were involved in a drug trafficking dispute with Johnson.















Anne

[AnneTheBelgian]

http://www.therepublic.com/view/story/cb90d19104b84027a3c0854fbd435b5f/CT--Bridgeport-Deaths/

Conn. jury to begin deliberations in death penalty case against Bridgeport drug dealer

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS 
   
First Posted: June 12, 2011 - 2:01 pm
   
Last Updated: June 12, 2011 - 2:01 pm

NEW HAVEN, Conn. — A federal jury in Connecticut will begin deliberating whether a reputed Bridgeport drug dealer should get the death penalty for the killings of three people in a drug turf dispute in 2005.

The jury in New Haven is expected to start deliberations on Monday in the case of 29-year-old Azibo Aquart, who was convicted in May of racketeering murder and conspiracy.

Aquart was one of three men charged in the beating deaths of 43-year-old Tina Johnson, 40-year-old James Reid and 54-year-old Basil Williams. Authorities say Aquart's group sold drugs at an apartment complex and Johnson was selling crack cocaine there without his permission.

The three victims were tied up and beaten to death with baseball bats. Cases are also pending against Aquart's brother, Azikiwe Aquart, and Efrain Johnson.



















Anne

[AnneTheBelgian]

http://www.ctpost.com/news/article/Conn-man-sentenced-to-death-in-2005-slayings-1425418.php

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Conn. man sentenced to death in 2005 slayings

Published 02:25 p.m., Wednesday, June 15, 2011

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) — A jury imposed the death penalty Wednesday on a reputed drug dealer convicted of killing three people in a turf dispute in 2005 in Bridgeport, federal prosecutors said.

The jury in New Haven decided 30-year-old Azibo Aquart should receive a death sentence, authorities said. Aquart was convicted in May of racketeering murder and conspiracy.

The verdict marked the first time since the federal death penalty was reinstituted in 1988 that a federal jury in Connecticut has found that a defendant should be sentenced to death, prosecutors said.

A message seeking comment from his lawyer, Justin Smith, wasn't immediately returned.

Aquart was one of four men charged in the beating deaths of 43-year-old Tina Johnson, 40-year-old James Reid and 54-year-old Basil Williams.

The jury reached death verdicts for the killing of Johnson and Williams, but couldn't reach a unanimous verdict on punishment for Reid's killing, prosecutors said.

"We thank the jury for their diligent and attentive service over both the guilt and sentencing phases of this case," said U.S. Attorney David Fein. "They have made a significant sacrifice from their daily lives as they fulfilled an important duty of citizens of our country."

Authorities say Aquart and his associates became involved in the summer of 2005 in a drug trafficking dispute with Johnson, who sometimes sold smaller quantities of crack cocaine without the approval of Aquart.

The victims were bound with duct tape and beaten with baseball bats, authorities said.

Aquart's fingerprint was found on a piece of duct tape recovered from the crime scene, prosecutors said.

U.S. District Court Judge Janet Bond Arterton will schedule a sentencing date after post-trial motions are submitted. Another defendant pleaded guilty and is awaiting sentencing and the other two are awaiting trial.


















Anne

[AnneTheBelgian]

http://www.ctpost.com/local/article/Azikiwe-Aquart-pleads-guilty-in-brutal-Bridgeport-2144418.php

Sunday, August 28, 2011

Azikiwe Aquart pleads guilty in brutal Bridgeport triple homicide

Michael P. Mayko, Staff Writer

Updated 09:46 p.m., Saturday, August 27, 2011

BRIDGEPORT -- Just two months after a federal court jury imposed the death penalty on his brother, Azikiwe "Ziggy" Aquart pleaded guilty Friday to three counts of murder in aid of racketeering involving the 2005 brutal killing of three people in a Charles Street apartment.

By opting to admit his involvement, Aquart avoided his own death penalty trial slated to begin in October before U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill in Bridgeport.

As a result of his plea, the 31-year-old defendant will now receive three mandatory terms of life in prison when Underhill sentences him on Nov. 14.

Lawyers for his brother, Azibo "Dreddy" Aquart,30, are challenging the death sentence imposed on their client.

A federal court jury ended a three-week trial in New Haveny by determining that Azibo Aquart headed a crack cocaine trafficking ring operating out of an apartment complex at 215 Charles Street. The jury found he became involved in a dispute with Tina Johnson, a resident of the complex and a small-time dealer, before ordering her murder.

Federal prosecutors presented evidence that Azibo Aquart enlisted his brother, John Taylor and Efrain Johnson to kick in Tina Johnson's door on the morning of Aug. 24, 2005. The intruders then bound Tina Johnson, her boyfriend, James Reid, 40, and a family friend, Basil Williams, with duct tape that also covered their faces. Testimony claimed Azibo beat Tina Johnson and Williams to death with a baseball bat while Azikiwe beat Reid.

All three were found dead by Tina Johnson's son.

Several members of the Aquart operation cooperated with federal authorities and Bridgeport police and testified at Azibo Aquart's month-long trial before U.S. District Judge Janet Bond Arterton. The imposition of the death penalty was the first in a Connecticut federal courtroom in more than a century.

During the trial, there was extensive forensic evidence that uncovered fingerprints and DNA belonging to the Aquarts and others.
















Anne

[AnneTheBelgian]

http://www.ctpost.com/policereports/article/Judge-to-triple-murderer-Live-forever-in-prison-2397142.php

Monday, December 12, 2011

Judge to triple murderer: 'Live forever in prison'

Michael P. Mayko, Staff Writer

Updated 02:02 p.m., Monday, December 12, 2011

BRIDGEPORT -- Azikiwe Aquart, who participated in a gruesome, brutal and bloody Aug. 24, 2005 triple homicide learned his fate Monday: life in prison without the possibility of parole.

"By committing these unspeakable crimes you have forfeited your right to live in a civilized society and instead will live forever in prison," U.S. District Judge Stefan R. Underhill told the defendant in pronouncing the sentence.

Aquart, 29, had nothing to say to the judge or to the children of Tina Johnson, one of the three victims found hog-tied and mummified in duct tape. Each was beaten brutally with baseball bats inside Johnson's Charles Street apartment on that muggy August morning.

Instead, Aquart sat silent, often leaning back in his chair at the defense table. His right hand covering what family members perceived as a constant smile on his face.

"He was smiling and laughing," said Latavia Whittingham, one of Tina's daughters. "He's going to spend the rest of his life in prison while my mother's spirit lives on through us and her grandkids. He may have killed her, but he could not take her spirit down."

Unlike his brother, Azikiwe Aquart avoided the death penalty by pleading guilty to the murder of James Reid, Johnson's boyfriend. He also admitted participating in the murders of Johnson and Basil Williams, a family friend.

Back in June, Azibo "Dreddy" Aquart, the reputed head of crack cocaine trafficking ring operating out of the Charles Street apartment complex was sentenced to death by a federal court jury. It marked the first such death penalty imposed in modern day Connecticut.

However, he is challenging it.

A third man, Efrain Johnson, rejected a plea-bargained deal and is expected to go to trial in February. John Taylor, a fourth participant, turned government witness and testified at Azibo Aquart's trial. He is awaiting sentencing for murder.

The murders stemmed from a dispute between Azibo Aquart and Tina Johnson over her dabbling in crack sales on his turf.

But Assistant U.S. Attorney Tracy Dayton said it was not "a war...it was a slaughter."

The four men broke into Johnson's apartment early in the morning and bound the three victims with duct tape. They were then repeatedly beaten with baseball bats.

During the trial, she said blood spattered and dripped from "every wall...and the floor to the ceiling."

The prosecutor further said "there were so many layers of duct tape" covering the victims "that it was difficult to pull off."

During Monday's sentencing, Dayton read a letter from Mary Reid, James' mother.

"I never thought that I would bury one of my children," the woman wrote, "especially one who would be slaughtered for being in the wrong place at the wrong time...I will never share another dinner, holiday or special occasion with him...You took my son and left an emptiness inside me that can never be filled by anyone else."

Reid wrote that if she was in court Monday, she would look Aquart in the face and say "Vengeance is mine sayest the Lord and I am going to let God have vengeance on you."

David Stern, one of Azikiwe's lawyers, convinced Underhill to recommend the federal penitentiary in Atlanta as his client's home because his nephew and another brother live there.

Additionally, Stern said Azikiwe Aquart is a trained cook, having graduated from culinary school, and could give back to society by helping prepare meals for his fellow inmates.

Outside the courtroom, Jahmar Whittingham, Johnson's son, said he believes the sentence sets "a good example for what will happen to people who do wrong...and kill people for no reason at all."

























Anne