New Haven gang member pleads guilty to racketeering, murder

NEW HAVEN — A 20-year-old member of a violent New Haven street gang pleaded guilty Tuesday to racketeering charges related to drug trafficking, gun crimes and murder.

Quaymar Suggs admitted to participating in the Exit 8 gang and fatally shooting a rival gang associate on May 19, 2021, according to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Connecticut.

Prosecutors say the Exit 8 gang, named for an Interstate 91 exit, has been engaged in a violent feud with rival groups in New Haven’s Hill section and other areas.

Since June 2018, Exit 8 members have been linked to at least three murders and 16 attempted murders.

Suggs pleaded guilty to conspiracy to engage in racketeering activity.

He faces up to life in prison when sentenced.

As part of his plea, Suggs also admitted that he and other gang members stole a duty bag from a Connecticut state trooper’s vehicle in 2021.

The investigation involved cooperation between federal, state and local law enforcement agencies as part of efforts to reduce gang violence in New Haven.

It falls under Department of Justice initiatives including Project Safe Neighborhoods and Project Longevity.

Suggs has been in custody since March 24.

A sentencing date has not been set.