CT man arrested on firearm charges tied to double homicide at illegal gambling club

A man turned himself in on firearm charges on Tuesday in what is expected to be the first of several arrests connected to the fatal shooting of two armed men who robbed an illegal gambling club in Bridgeport in March.

Sean Ellam, 38, of Bridgeport, faces charges of criminal possession of a firearm, tampering with evidence and stealing a firearm, according to Det. Jeffrey A. Holtz of the Bridgeport Police Department.

On March 24 shortly after 11 p.m., officers responded to reports of numerous people being shot in the area of Stratford Avenue and Logan Street and found two people, 30-year-old Richard Davis and 32-year-old Tayvon Geter, outside suffering from gunshot wounds, Holtz said in a statement. They were both taken to Bridgeport Hospital where they were pronounced dead.

Two others went to the hospital and were treated for gunshot wounds not considered life-threatening and reported being shot in an illegal gambling club at 1542 Stratford Ave., according to Holtz.

Holtz said investigators found that the shootings occurred as two armed men were robbing the club and that a “gunfight” ensued.

Detectives worked to obtain a warrant for Ellam’s arrest in connection with “his actions following the shootings,” Holtz said. Ellam’s bond was set at $75,000.

According to Holtz, investigators anticipate making several more arrests.

The police department’s Homicide Unit is still investigating the shooting.

Anyone with information has been asked to contact lead Det. Keith Hanson at 203-581-5243.

At a press conference in April, Bridgeport Mayor Joseph P. Ganim and Police Chief Roderick Porter Sr. encouraged the community to report after-hours clubs in the city to prevent similar incidents.

The club tied to the homicides has since been shut down, according to Holtz.