Sheila Renee Harris, a 54-year-old Black / African American female, died following a tragic series of events that unfolded in New Haven, Connecticut. Hours before her death, on the night of August 19, 2023, Sheila Harris contacted the New Haven Police Department to report a domestic violence incident involving her husband, Christopher Garvin. Officers responded to her home on Shelton Avenue and remained with her for several hours to create a safety plan, though they were unable to locate Garvin
at that time.
Later that night, the situation escalated dramatically. Police were called away to a different incident nearby, and shortly after their departure, gunfire erupted at Harris's residence. When officers returned to the scene, they discovered both Harris and Garvin with gunshot wounds. It is believed that Garvin returned to the home and attacked Harris. In an act of defense, a female relative of Harris's shot Garvin.
Both Sheila Harris and Christopher Garvin, who was also 54, were transported to Yale New Haven Hospital. Garvin succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead. Harris was listed in critical condition and, despite the efforts of medical professionals, she passed away from her injuries on August 23, 2023. The family member who shot Garvin was questioned by police, and two firearms were recovered from the scene; no immediate arrest was made in connection with Garvin's death as the investigation continued. The New Haven Police Department also launched an internal investigation into its handling of the initial domestic violence call.
