On the evening of June 26, 2019, in Hartford, Connecticut, 30-year-old Caron Mikal Andre Canty, a Black/African American male, was fatally shot. The incident occurred near 31 Winchester Street, where police were alerted to multiple gunshots by the city's ShotSpotter system. Upon their arrival, officers discovered Canty with critical injuries. He was transported to a local hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
A second individual, 32-year-old Richard Johnson, was also a victim in the shooting, sustaining gunshot wounds to his torso. Johnson was driven to the hospital by his brother and ultimately survived his injuries. Investigators at the scene described the shooting as a "very targeted attack," although they did not immediately classify it as gang-related. They also indicated that it was not a drive-by shooting. At the time, this was recorded as the 11th homicide of the year in Hartford.
Known affectionately as "Shaq," Canty was the head chef at a Chipotle in West Hartford and was remembered by loved ones as a hardworking and joyful person. He was a dedicated father to two young daughters, who were two and six years old at the time of his death. His interests included fishing, playing video games, and cheering for the Atlanta Falcons. In the days following the shooting, community members and organizations like Mothers United Against Violence held vigils to honor his memory and call for an end to gun violence.
Despite the targeted nature of the attack and the public's desire for justice, information regarding any suspects or arrests in connection with Caron Canty's murder has been scarce. Publicly available information has not provided details on any individuals being apprehended or charged in the case, leaving his family and the community still seeking closure.
