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During a press conference on Wednesday, Bridgeport Chief of Police Armando Perez said there were strong leads in the case and that “Somebody’s going to be in custody very soon."
The boy, identified as Clinton Howell, was standing outside of his Willow Street home with two other people when he was shot, during a drive-by, police said.
Police don't believe he was the intended target, but instead are looking into the possibility that one, or both, of the people, he was standing with may have been the target.
During the conference, police said that they believe the suspect, or suspects were all in a small sports utility vehicle and are also looking at video surveillance in the area as well as taking witness statements and collecting physical evidence.
Howell, who attended middle school, and would have turned 13 on January 13, was coming home from buying snacks at the corner store, said family members on a GoFundMe page.
"Clinton was a very good person," the wrote. "He was loved by everyone that ever encountered him and he was full of life and joy."
Family members also said he loved school and video games specifically Fortnite.
"He always loved being around his family and being a big uncle to his two-year-old nephew," they said. "Clinton never associated his self with negative peers, he stayed to himself and just started to make friends in Middle School."
The family is trying to raise funds for a funeral: "We know it’s the holidays and it may be hard, so anything will contribute," they wrote.
To date, $7,500 of a $20,000 goal has been raised. To donate, click here.
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