On a late summer evening, Shernetta Dunmore, a 35-year-old Black / African American female from Stamford, Connecticut, was enjoying an end-of-summer celebration with friends. The gathering, which started at Cummings Park, eventually moved to a parking lot at the Ursula Place Housing Complex. In the early hours of September 20, 2020, the festive atmosphere was shattered by the eruption of gunfire. Amid the chaos, Dunmore was struck by numerous bullets.
Emergency services rushed her to Stamford Hospital, but she tragically succumbed to her injuries. Two other individuals were also wounded in the shooting but survived.
The Stamford Police Department's Major Crimes Unit launched a methodical six-month investigation into the homicide. Their efforts, in collaboration with the Stamford State's Attorney's Office, led them to identify a suspect. In April 2021, authorities arrested 28-year-old Ian Evans of Bridgeport, charging him with murder in connection with Dunmore's death. At the time of his arrest for murder, Evans was already in custody on charges related to the non-fatal shooting of another victim during the same incident. A judge set his bail at $2 million.
The case against Ian Evans proceeded to trial, where he faced a murder charge. Prosecutors presented evidence, including video footage that reportedly showed Evans firing multiple shots into the crowd at the party. The defense argued their case, and after deliberation, the jury returned a verdict. While Evans was found not guilty of murder, he was convicted on the lesser charge of first-degree manslaughter with a firearm. The jury also found him guilty of first-degree assault and criminal use of a firearm. Evans is scheduled to be sentenced on November 7, 2025.
