Three people charged with violent assault and torture in Branford

Branford Police charged 22-year-old Avante Ryan of Hartford (pictured) and two 17-year-old juveniles in connection with a violent assault and torture incident that occurred Sept. 1 in a wooded area in the city. Image from Branford Police/Facebook

Press release, Branford Police Department

September 18, 2024: Branford Police arrested three suspects in connection with an incident of violent assault and torture that occurred on September 1, 2024, in a wooded area in the city.

The suspects are accused of luring the victim to a remote location where she was held against her will for approximately three hours and subjected to a series of brutal and heinous acts. While in captivity, the victim was tortured in a variety of ways, including physical assault, slashing, setting on fire, pistol-whipping and sexually assaulted. These traumatic and violent acts left the victim with severe injuries.

Police became aware of the incident after receiving information about a video recording that captured part of the ordeal. Officers were able to identify and locate the crime scene. The victim was later found at a local hospital where he was treated for his injuries.

After a thorough investigation, arrest warrants were issued and all suspects were arrested without incident.

They were accused of the following:

Avante Ryan, 22, from Hartford:

Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Sexual Assault in the First Degree CGS 53a-48/53a-70a, Assault in the First Degree CGS 53a-59, Conspiracy to Commit Assault in the First Degree CGS 53a-48/53a-59, Cruelty to Persons CGS 53-20 (a)(1), Conspiracy to Commit Cruelty to Persons CGS 53-20 (a)(1), Robbery in the First Degree CGS 53a-134, Conspiracy to Commit Robbery in the First Degree CGS 53a-48/53a-134, Criminal Use of a Firearm CGS 53a-216, Kidnapping in the First Degree with a Firearm CGS 53a-92a, Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping in the First Degree with a Firearm CGS 53a-48/53a-92a, Menacing in the First Degree 53a-61aa and endangering a child 53-21(a)(1). He is currently in the custody of the Branford Police Department and is being held on $1 million bail. He will be arraigned in court in GA-23, New Haven, tomorrow morning.

Youth One (17) and Youth Two (17):

Aggravated Sexual Assault in the First Degree CGS 53a-70a, Conspiracy to Commit Aggravated Sexual Assault in the First Degree CGS 53a-70a/53a-59, Assault in the First Degree CGS 53a-59, Conspiracy to Commit Assault in the First Degree CGS 53a-48/53a-59, Cruelty to Persons CGS 53-20, Conspiracy to Commit Cruelty to Persons CGS 53a-48/53-20, Robbery in the First Degree CGS 53a-134, Conspiracy to Commit Robbery in the First Degree CGS 53a-48/53a-134, Criminal Use of a Firearm CGS 53a-216, Kidnapping in the First Degree with a Firearm CGS 53a-92a, Conspiracy to Commit Kidnapping in the First Degree with a Firearm CGS 53a-48/53a-92a, first-degree menacing CGS 53a-61aa, and endangering a child by injury CGS 53-21(a)(1). Both juveniles are currently being held on $1 million bail each.

At this time, the investigation has determined this was an isolated incident. We are grateful to those in the community who provided information and cooperation. The Branford Police Department would also like to thank the New Haven District Attorney's Office, Hartford Police Department, and the bailiffs at Hartford Superior Court for their assistance.