In the early hours of May 13, 2024, a celebration turned tragic in Waterbury, Connecticut, leading to the death of 29-year-old Shaquille Morris. A Black/African American male, Morris was at the So Blu'Niq rental hall on Sharon Road, where two private parties were being held simultaneously. Known affectionately as "Davin," he was born in Montego Bay, Jamaica, and was a husband and devoted father.
On the night of the incident, he was catering a Mother's Day brunch, preparing food for the event.
An argument reportedly broke out between guests of the two separate parties, escalating from a dispute over music. In the ensuing violence, gunfire erupted. Morris, along with two women aged 39 and 44, was shot. While the women's injuries were not life-threatening, Morris was critically wounded. His wife, Shantell Morris, recalled the chaos, running toward the door where her husband was and seeing him with blood on his shirt. Friends reportedly rushed him to a nearby hospital, but he was pronounced dead shortly after his arrival. Family members described him as a great person who was not involved in drama and was known for his positive demeanor and his skill as a cook.
The Waterbury Police Department launched an investigation into the homicide, which marked the city's fifth of 2024. Initially, no arrests were made, and authorities appealed to the public for any information regarding the shooting. The investigation later led to police identifying a suspect in the fatal shooting.
In January 2025, authorities announced they had obtained an arrest warrant for 28-year-old Courtney Franklin. He is wanted on charges of murder, criminal possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, criminal use of a firearm, illegal discharge of a firearm, first-degree reckless endangerment, and tampering with physical evidence. Police have been actively searching for Franklin and have asked for public assistance in locating him.
