A New Haven gang member has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison for his involvement in multiple shootings and other violent crimes. Jaivuan McKnight, also known as “Sav,” was a member of the 960 gang, a notorious street gang known for its involvement in drug trafficking, firearm possession, and acts of violence.
McKnight, 25, was sentenced today by U.S. District Judge Kari A. Dooley in Bridgeport after pleading guilty to racketeering conspiracy charges. Prosecutors presented evidence linking McKnight to several shootings, including one that resulted in the death of a rival gang member.
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The 960 gang has been the subject of a long-term investigation by federal and local law enforcement agencies. In September 2021, a federal grand jury indicted McKnight and 15 other gang members on various charges, including racketeering, narcotics trafficking, and firearm offenses.
According to court documents and statements made in court, in an effort to address violence in New Haven, the ATF, FBI, DEA, and New Haven Police Department, working closely with the U.S. Attorney’s Office and New Haven State’s Attorney’s Office, have been investigating an ongoing gang war between members and associates of the Exit 8 street gang and rival gangs in the Hill section and other areas of the city.
The Exit 8 gang is named after the geographic area accessed by exiting Interstate 91 at Exit 8 in New Haven. Recently, younger members of Exit 8 are identifying themselves with the word “Honcho,” which is derived from the street name of an Exit 8 member who was murdered on Quinnipiac Avenue in February 2020.
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The investigation revealed that Suggs and other members of the Exit 8 gang engaged in drug trafficking, used and shared firearms, and, since June 2018, have committed at least three murders and 16 attempted murders.
Exit 8 members and associates also stole vehicles, at times from outside of the state, and used those stolen vehicles when committing acts of violence. Gang members also promoted, coordinated, facilitated, and celebrated their narcotics distribution and acts of violence through text messaging and the use of social media applications and websites including Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube.
On February 20, 2024, Suggs pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in a pattern of racketeering activity, and specifically admitted that he took part in five shootings between April 2021 and January 2023. As a result of these shootings, on April 27, 2021, a rival gang member was shot in the leg; on May 14, 2021, a rival gang member was shot in the leg and torso; and on May 20, 2021, one victim was shot in the back and another victim was shot in the leg.
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On January 20, 2023, Suggs and other Exit 8 members stole an SUV in Scarsdale, New York, and, later that day, he and Exit 8 member Nyzaire Barnes committed a drive-by shooting of a rival gang member in New Haven. The victim was shot in the head, but survived the attack.
The sentencing of McKnight marks a major victory in the fight against gang violence in New Haven. However, authorities acknowledge that the battle is ongoing and urge community members to report any information that may help prevent future acts of violence.
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