On the evening of May 26, 2021, Adrian Barwise, a 34-year-old Black / African American male, was fatally shot on Sherman Parkway in New Haven, Connecticut. The incident occurred near the intersection with Munson Street, shattering the quiet of the neighborhood at approximately 8:26 p.m. Police received multiple 911 calls reporting that a man had been shot. When officers arrived at the scene, they discovered Barwise, who had sustained a fatal gunshot wound.
Paramedics with the New Haven Fire Department and American Medical Response pronounced him deceased at the location.
As the investigation into the shooting began, a 28-year-old New Haven man remained at the scene and identified himself to the authorities as being involved in the incident. This individual reportedly claimed that he had acted in self-defense during a knife attack, using a gun that he legally owned. Law enforcement officials stated that the investigation was ongoing but did not publicly identify the man who claimed involvement. As of the available reports, no arrests had been formally announced in connection with the shooting. The case marked the 13th homicide in New Haven for that year, prompting a statement from the city's mayor about the rise in gun violence.
Friends and family remember Adrian Barwise as a loyal and protective person, a father who deeply loved his two daughters. Those close to him said he was on a positive path in life before it was tragically cut short. He was remembered as someone who would not hesitate to defend his loved ones. He left behind his two girls, his mother, a sister, a brother, and a wide circle of family and friends stretching from New Haven and New York to Jamaica. A fundraising campaign was initiated to provide support for his grieving family and to help with final arrangements. Police have continued to ask for any witnesses to come forward to assist in the ongoing investigation.
