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Police: Bridgeport man charged with killing fellow neighbor in Park Avenue boarding house

Police were called to the house at 350 Park Ave. just after midnight for a reported stabbing. Willesha Riddick was found on the first floor, bleeding from multiple stab wounds to her torso. She was taken to St. Vincent's Medical Center, where she later died.

Rose Shannon

Jun 23, 2026, 9:10 PM

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A Bridgeport man was arrested Tuesday for the fatal stabbing of a woman at a Park Avenue boarding house earlier this month, police said.

Johnnie Newkirk was arrested at police headquarters and was charged with murder and tampering with evidence.

He is accused of killing 41-year-old Willesha Riddick on June 9.

Police were called to the house at 350 Park Ave. just after midnight for a reported stabbing. Riddick was found on the first floor, bleeding from multiple stab wounds to her torso. She was taken to St. Vincent's Medical Center, where she later died.

Police say Newkirk and Riddick lived in separate rooms in the house.

Following the incident, officers conducted interviews and collected evidence, which included the knife that was used in the stabbing.

Newkirk's bond has been set at $1.5 million.

He is expected to be arraigned on Wednesday at Bridgeport Superior Court.

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