Jerome Hudson, who is charged with fatally stabbing Travon Brown in New London on Dec. 17, 2017, has turned down an offer from the state to plead guilty in exchange for a 40-year prison sentence.

Hudson, 29, also known as Irving Jerome Hudson, indicated Wednesday during an appearance in New London Superior Court that he wants to go on trial for murder. Judge Hillary B. Strackbein questioned him to ensure he understands he faces up to 60 years in prison if convicted, and scheduled jury selection for Feb. 19. 

Hudson has been incarcerated since he was arrested on unrelated drug charges on the day of the homicide. Police obtained a warrant five days later charging him with murder. He is being held at the Northern Correctional Institution in lieu of $1.25 million bond.

New London police said Brown 27, identified Hudson, a longtime friend he referred to as "Black," as his killer during a dying declaration when police were called to 22 Grand St. for a report of a stabbing. Police allege that Hudson stabbed Brown in retaliation for a Nov. 8, 2017, incident on Mountain Avenue, in which Brown stabbed Hudson.

Hudson, who was treated for a stab wound to the left side of his abdomen, had refused to identify his attacker.

Brown's father told police that following the November altercation, his son had been staying with family outside of New London to let things "cool down" but that he recently had returned and started "stepping out."

The father said he knew Hudson and had asked him to let go of the November stabbing incident when he ran into him at a city store but Hudson had kept saying "an eye for an eye."

Hudson is represented by defense attorney Christopher Duby.

Attorneys Christa L. Baker and Paul J. Narducci from the New London state's attorney's office are prosecuting him.

k.florin@theday.com