Witness: Man killed worker to create job opening

Police investigate a crime scene at Chopsey Hill Rd. and Pond St. in Bridgeport, Conn. Jose Araujo, of Milford, a worker with Burns Construction Co. was shot while on the job just after 9 a.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2015. Bridgeport police arrested 33-year-old Gregory Weathers Jr, 33, for the fatal shooting. less Police investigate a crime scene at Chopsey Hill Rd. and Pond St. in Bridgeport, Conn. Jose Araujo, of Milford, a worker with Burns Construction Co. was shot while on the job just after 9 a.m. on Thursday, ... more Photo: Cathy Zuraw Buy photo Photo: Cathy Zuraw Image 1 of / 36 Caption Close Witness: Man killed worker to create job opening 1 / 36 Back to Gallery

BRIDGEPORT — Frustrated because he thought there were no job openings at a construction site, Gregory Weathers pulled out a handgun and fatally shot one of the workers, according testimony Tuesday.

“He said he was looking for a job and he felt they weren’t helping him out to get a job,” Retired Police Detective Paul Ortiz testified as Weathers’ trial opened before a three-judge panel. “He was apologetic, sorry for what he had done.”

The 34-year-old Weathers is not denying he killed 31-year-old Jose Araujo, of Milford, on March 26, 2015. But Weathers maintains he is suffering from a mental disease or defect — the insanity defense.

When the trial resumes Wednesday, two psychiatrists are scheduled to testify. Weathers’ lawyer, Assistant Public Defender Bradford Buchta, is not expected to call any other witnesses.

Asked at the start of the trial by Superior Court Judge John Kavanewsky Jr. if he was on any medications, Weathers answered, “Yes, they help me think clearer.”

He then sat calmly at the defense table as witness after witness testified against him.

As he was led handcuffed out of the Main Street courtroom during a break, Weathers smiled broadly at the crowd of family and friends in the hallway.

“How are all you doing?” he asked.

He faces up to 85 years if convicted by Kavanewsky and Judges Robin Pavia and Earl Richards of murder, criminal possession of a firearm, stealing a firearm and carrying a pistol without a permit.

Under questioning by Assistant State’s Attorney Emily Trudeau, Matthew Girdzis, an employee of Burns Construction, testified that workers were installing a gas main on Chopsey Hill Road when a man wearing a hooded sweatshirt approached them.

“He and Jose fist-bumped,” Girdzis related, pointing to Weathers. “Jose asked me if we were hiring and I told him (Weathers) he would have to fill out an application. He then walked away.”

But the witness said Weathers returned minutes later, this time pulling a pistol from his pocket.

“He just started shooting,” another Burns’ employee, Diamantino Pires, testified, crying on the witness stand. “Jose was helpless. I wanted to help him but there was nothing I could do. He (Weathers) just kept shooting and shooting.”

“Jose looked at us, his eyes rolled up and blood began coming out his nose,” continued witness Danny Ramos, another construction worker.

Weathers took off running after shooting Araujo, the father of a young son, according to testimony. He was found hiding in some bushes by Officer Darryl Wilson.

“He was holding the barrel of a handgun and I told him to drop the weapon or I was going to shoot,” Wilson said. “I had to tell him twice.”

As Wilson held Weathers at the scene, he said, the defendant kept mumbling, “It’s all messed up, it’s all messed up.”

Lt. Chris LaMaine, who arrived on the scene as Weathers was being handcuffed, testified under questioning by State’s Attorney John Smriga that Weathers appeared calm but was rambling.

“He just kept saying it was a labor dispute,” the lieutenant said.