On a late morning in Waterbury, Connecticut, Jarron Chapman was leaving the city’s courthouse with his two-year-old daughter when his life was cut short. The 26-year-old Black / African American man had just appeared before a judge on March 21, 2024. His attorney shook his hand and said he would see him at his next court date, just moments before the facility was locked down.
At approximately 11:40 a.m., as Chapman walked out of the courthouse at 400 Grand Street, an individual on a
motorcycle reportedly drove up, dismounted, and approached him. Multiple gunshots rang out. The shooter then got back on the motorcycle and fled the scene. Responding officers found Chapman suffering from gunshot wounds. He was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead. His daughter and another woman he was with were not injured in the attack.
Chapman’s attorney stated that he believed his client was deliberately targeted, as the gunman appeared to know he would be leaving court at that time. While court records indicated Chapman had pending cases involving assault, firearm, and drug charges, his lawyer said none of the cases would explain why someone would want him killed, as he was not being asked to testify against anyone.
The Waterbury Police Department’s investigation led to a series of arrests. Three individuals were charged in the weeks following the shooting: 26-year-old Nicholas Chiapponi of Glastonbury, 21-year-old Deera Nelson of Meriden, and 29-year-old Dante Howell, also of Meriden. Then, on June 12, 2024, detectives with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Task Force arrested a fourth and final suspect. Tory Keith, a 34-year-old from Meriden, was taken into custody at his residence.
All four individuals face charges of murder and conspiracy at murder. In addition, Nelson was charged with hindering prosecution, and Howell faces multiple firearm charges. Police have stated that they do not anticipate any further arrests in the case. As of June 2024, criminal proceedings against all four charged suspects were pending.
