New Haven Independent

Chief James Lewis confirmed Friday that an internal affairs investigation is focusing on the conduct of an officer at the scene of Monday afternoon’s officially classified “untimely death” of Rickey Greene.

Greene died after hitting his head during an argument with a childhood friend by the corner of Munson and Orchard streets. The right was over a $20 debt, according to Greene’s brother, Willie Greene, a former alderman.

Rickey Greene was arguing with Tyrone Adams. Willie Greene knows Tyrone Adams, too: Adams worked on Greene’s campaign for state representative in the Nov. 4 election.

Police haven’t made an arrest in the case yet. They’re awaiting results of an autopsy to see if the injuries are consistent with reports that Rickey Greene died as a result of punches thrown by Adams.

Meanwhile, the new twist is the internal affairs investigation.

Chief Lewis said Rickey Greene had a knife on him at the time of the incident. “We do have a knife. The question is whether it was properly booked” into evidence, Lewis said. “Any question about evidence in a case can be a big deal.”

The knife may not end up having any bearing on whether Adams is eventually arrested, presumably on manslaughter charges. Tyrone Adams, reached by phone Friday, said he didn’t know that Rickey Greene had a knife. He said he never saw a knife.

Adams said he’s also feeling pressure; he’s worried about going back to jail. He served 10 years on manslaughter-related charges connected to a 1991 double-slaying at the Athenian diner.

“I shouldn’t be talking to you,” Adams said, on his lawyer’s advice.