Podcast Summary: The Deck - Episode: Javed Akhtar (Jack of Diamonds, Connecticut) Release Date: December 18, 2024 Host: audiochuck

Introduction

In this poignant episode of The Deck, host Britt Praywad delves deep into the unsolved 2007 shooting of Javed Akhtar, affectionately known as the "Jack of Diamonds" from East Windsor, Connecticut. This tragic case has remained cold for over 17 years, leaving Javed’s family and community yearning for answers. The episode underscores the collaborative efforts between investigators, family members, and the podcast team to shed light on this enduring mystery.

Background

Javed Akhtar was the sole proprietor of the One Stop convenience store in East Windsor, a beloved local establishment where residents frequently shopped for everyday necessities. On a frigid winter night, February 28, 2007, tragedy struck when Javed was fatally shot outside his store, leading to his demise ten days later.

The Incident

At approximately 9:15 PM, Brian, a local sandwich shop owner, was driving home from work when he heard a sudden loud pop and witnessed two individuals fleeing the scene near the One Stop store ([05:28]). Acting on instinct, Brian rushed to assist, discovering Javed bleeding in the parking lot. Emergency services arrived swiftly, but despite their efforts, Javed succumbed to his injuries on March 10, 2007 ([19:48]).

Initial Investigation

East Windsor Police Chief Matthew Carl, already on the scene due to another incident, took charge of the investigation. Initial observations at the store revealed no signs of struggle or robbery. Only a broom and a snack cake were displaced, suggesting Javed might have been interrupted while working ([06:26]).

Detective Scott Roberts, the lead investigator, recounted witness accounts describing two black males—one in a white jacket and the other in a dark hoodie—running from the scene ([07:18]). Physical evidence, including shoe prints and a latent fingerprint on the fence, provided initial leads, but the snow had been plowed, erasing potential traces ([08:04]).

Suspects and Leads

The investigation quickly focused on two primary suspects: Mike and Tyrone, known for their criminal histories and possession of a Colt .38 revolver found in Mike’s possession. Forensic analysis linked this weapon to Javed’s shooting, making it a pivotal piece of evidence ([23:04]).

However, complications arose when the gun was identified as part of a "gun library"—a collection of weapons checked out by multiple individuals—obscuring a direct link to Javed’s assailants ([29:58]). This led detectives on a convoluted chase through various crime connections without concrete results.

Community and Family Impact

The community’s reaction was one of outrage and sorrow. Javed was widely respected for his generosity, often helping those in need. His wife, Raffia, and their young twins became the heartwrenching focal points of the aftermath, grappling with grief and guilt over Javed’s untimely death ([12:44]).

Raffia, haunted by the loss, sought any possible lead, including suspecting a repeat shoplifter known as Leo. However, Leo provided a solid alibi, and with robbery theories unsubstantiated, alternative motives such as hate crimes were considered, especially given the rising trend of violence against Muslim business owners in Connecticut at the time ([14:11]).

Ongoing Challenges

Despite numerous efforts, including cold case cards and tips from incarcerated individuals like Arthur, definitive breakthroughs remained elusive. Arthur’s claims ultimately proved unsubstantiated, and other leads, such as raffia’s theories about ex-husbands and black magic, led to dead ends ([32:19]).

Detective Roberts highlighted the bureaucratic and technological challenges faced over the years, such as incomplete cell tower data and fragmented evidence storage. These hurdles have hindered the ability to conclusively tie suspects to the crime ([27:56]).

Current Status and Hope for Resolution

Years later, Detective Roberts discovered incomplete cell tower records that could potentially place Mike and Tyrone at the scene. Additionally, advancements in forensic technology offer new hope for matching DNA traces and fingerprint evidence collected from the crime scene ([36:23]).

Chief Carl remains steadfast in his commitment to the case, emphasizing the importance of community assistance. The episode ends with a heartfelt plea for anyone with information to come forward, reinforcing the belief that justice for Javed Akhtar is within reach if someone steps up with crucial details ([37:21]).

Notable Quotes

• Britt Praywad ([05:28]): “He had been shot in the chest, and so he was fighting for his life. He wasn’t talking. He might have been at some level of conscious, but it’s not like he could communicate with us.”

• Detective Roberts ([07:18]): “The two men were described as two black males, one wearing a white jacket, the other wearing a dark hoodie. That’s important because we spoke with another person who would have been in the area who also described hearing some sort of commotion.”

• Chief Carl ([29:58]): “A gun library is a location that has a large store of weapons that people can check out, like books. It just blows apart your whole alibi that one person would be responsible.”

• Britt Praywad ([36:23]): “He had young children, and he had a younger wife. ... I want to solve this. I want to stay with this. Even when I retire years from now, ... I would love nothing more than to find Raffia or Javed's kid someday and say, we solved this crime.”

Conclusion

The episode of The Deck meticulously unpacks the complexities of Javed Akhtar’s unsolved murder, highlighting the intersection of diligent investigative work, community impact, and the enduring quest for justice. While numerous challenges have stalled progress, the ongoing dedication of Detective Roberts and Chief Carl, combined with potential new evidence, keeps the hope alive that Javed’s family will finally receive the closure they desperately seek.

Listeners are encouraged to contribute any information that might aid in resolving this heartbreaking case by contacting the Connecticut Cold Case Unit.

Join The Deck community to stay updated on this and other cold cases, and help bring justice to those who deserve it.