File photo
At a July 2021 virtual court hearing in Newton's murder case. Clockwise from top left: Defense attn’y Christopher Duby, Judge Harmon, state prosecutor Stacey Miranda, Rashod Newton.
A 29-year-old New Havener named Rashod Newton has pleaded guilty to murdering his girlfriend Alessia Mesquita, and now faces up to 38 years in prison.
New Haven State’s Attorney John Doyle, Jr. announced Newton’s guilty plea in a Thursday afternoon email press release.
According to that press release, Newton pleaded guilty in state court earlier on Thursday to one count of murder and one count of first-degree assault.
“Under the terms of the plea agreement, Newton faces up to 38 years in prison when he is sentenced before the Honorable Gerald L. Harmon on January 26, 2023,” the press release reads. The case is being prosecuted by Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Stacey Miranda.
Newton’s guilty pleas come more than a year and a half after Mesquita, a 30-year-old New Havener, was shot and killed in the middle of Clifton and Lenox Streets, in front of her and Newton’s 1‑year-old child, following a domestic dispute.
That fatal shooting took place over a year after West Haven police first pulled — but never served — a warrant for Newton’s arrest after he allegedly shot and injured a housemate who was trying to break up an argument between Newton and Mesquita.
Mesquita’s mother spoke up at the time after her daughter’s death about how her daughter’s and Newton’s relationship was clouded by domestic abuse. Mesquita’s killing also brought to public attention a rise in domestic violence during the pandemic.
While Sandy Mesquita will mourn the loss of her sweet Alessia for the rest of her life, while raising her grand-daughter as her own, she will at least be spared the return to the trauma that a trial would have involved.
We hope that the NHPD will continue its good work in seeking the person(s) responsible for the death of Alessia's brother Antonio just a few weeks ago in Fair Haven.
Violence affects so many people and the after effects can continue for multiple generations.
As a society we must commit our resources to support for parents and children so that they grow up safe, healthy and loved. That should be possible for every child to know because we keep being told we are the richest country on earth.
What does that wealth matter if it doesn't assist our most vulnerable people?
We need to stop adding bricks to the Memorial Garden, beautiful as it is and as necessary as it is.
I hope Mr. Newton is well cared for during his incarceration and gets the treatment and support he needs.