Bridgeport woman arrested in connection to March homicides and robbery at illegal gambling club

BRIDGEPORT, CT (WFSB) — A woman has been arrested in connection with a robbery linked to two homicides that occurred in March.

On March 30, 2024, two men, Tayvon Geter, 33, and Richard Davis, 30, were shot and killed during an armed robbery at an illegal gambling club on Stratford Avenue.

Shanica Merced, 35, of Bridgeport, has been arrested for her involvement in running the gambling club and conspiring with the men to commit the robbery.

She faces charges of conspiracy to commit robbery in the first degree and illegal gambling. Her bond has been set at $250,000.

During the incident, Merced was grazed by a bullet.

In June, Marcus Farmer, 37, of Bridgeport, was arrested for his role in the gambling operation.

Although he was present at the scene, police do not believe he was involved in the robbery.

Farmer, who was on parole, was charged with stealing a gun from one of the suspects after the shooting, criminal possession of a firearm, and tampering with evidence.

Sean Ellam, 38, of Bridgeport, was arrested in May as part of the ongoing investigation.

Ellam was found to have stolen a firearm from a suspect who was deceased on the ground outside the club after the shootings.

He faces charges of stealing a firearm, criminal possession of a firearm, and tampering with evidence.

The arrests are the result of a thorough investigation by the Bridgeport Police Department’s Homicide Unit, with assistance from the Office of the State’s Attorney.

Surveillance video revealed Merced allowing Geter and Davis into the club, where they were seen masked and sitting with her before the robbery began.

Following the shootings, Bridgeport Mayor Joseph P. Ganim, Police Chief Roderick Porter Sr., and other city officials held a press conference outside the shuttered club at 1542 Stratford Ave.

They emphasized the importance of keeping such establishments closed and urged citizens to report similar activities in their neighborhoods.

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