An aspiring nurse with a bright future, 18-year-old Zaniya Dawkins had her life tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence in the early morning hours of July 5, 2026. Having just celebrated her eighteenth birthday two weeks prior, Zaniya was looking forward to starting classes to become a registered nurse. Her father described her as a loving and outgoing person, full of dreams she was determined to conquer.
Alongside her plans for a career in nursing, she was already working as a nail technician, showcasing her drive and ambition.
On that fateful night, Zaniya was with friends outside the LA 42 Nightclub on East Main Street in Waterbury, Connecticut. Shortly after midnight, gunfire erupted. In the ensuing chaos, both Zaniya and a 22-year-old man, Trey-Von Dunbar, were struck by bullets. When police arrived at the scene, they found a large crowd and discovered both victims unresponsive on the ground with apparent gunshot wounds. According to her father, Zaniya was not the intended target and was tragically struck by a stray bullet.
Paramedics rushed Zaniya and Trey-Von to a nearby hospital for emergency treatment. Trey-Von Dunbar succumbed to his injuries and died shortly after arriving at the hospital. Zaniya fought for her life but tragically passed away from her injuries on Monday, July 6, 2026. The double homicide left the Waterbury community shaken and prompted the LA 42 Nightclub to voluntarily surrender its liquor license and close its doors. As of the latest available reports, the Waterbury Police Department's investigation into the double homicide is still active and ongoing. No arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, and no suspects have been publicly identified. Authorities have urged anyone with information regarding the incident to come forward to assist in the investigation and bring justice for Zaniya Dawkins and Trey-Von Dunbar.
