Bridgeport Man Killed, 2 Others Wounded In Stabbing Attack: Police

BRIDGEPORT, CT — Bridgeport police arrested a 44-year-old man Monday morning after a stabbing at a Laurel Avenue home left one family member dead, and two others injured, authorities said.

Police said officers responded to the 960 block of Laurel Avenue at about 5 a.m. and found Jahmar Whittingham outside the residence holding a large kitchen knife.

According to police, Whittingham dropped the knife when ordered to do so but told officers they would have to shoot him. Police said he did not comply with additional commands. Officers deployed a Taser, but Whittingham removed the prongs from his body. Officers then took him to the ground and placed him in custody.

Investigators said officers found 60-year-old Eric Johnson in front of the house with a stab wound to the chest. An 85-year-old woman with a stab wound to the abdomen was found nearby. Officers also located a 62-year-old man in a driveway beside the home with multiple stab wounds to his back and side. Police said all three victims lived at the residence.

Johnson was transported by ambulance to Bridgeport Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival, police said.

The two surviving victims underwent surgery later Monday morning. Police said their names were not being released and that updates on their conditions would be provided when available.

Charges for Whittingham are as follows:

• Murder
• First-degree Assault on an elderly person
• First-degree Assault
• Home invasion

Whittingham is being held in lieu of bail of $1 million, but an arraignment date has not yet been scheduled.

Police said Whittingham had recently lived in South Carolina and previously lived in Bridgeport. He had been staying at the Laurel Avenue home for several months, according to investigators.

Bridgeport Police Chief Roderick Porter expressed condolences to the family.

"Our hearts go out to the entire family. They are in our prayers," Chief Porter said. "The professionalism of our officers, in what was a very dangerous situation, prevented this from becoming a further tragedy."