WATERBURY, Conn. – A 26-year-old man facing gun and drug charges was fatally shot outside the Waterbury Superior Court on Thursday. The victim, identified as Jarron Chapman, was leaving the courthouse when he was shot by an unknown assailant on a motorcycle who immediately fled the scene. According to court records, Chapman had three pending cases, including charges of illegal gun possession, operation of a drug factory, and misdemeanor assault. Chapman’s lawyer referred to the incident as a “hit,” although he believed it was unrelated to his client’s court cases.
The police are currently searching for the shooter, while court officials have declined to comment on the matter. This shooting is not the first act of violence to occur outside the Waterbury Superior Court. In 2018, another client of Chapman’s lawyer was shot in the leg but survived. These incidents raise concerns about the security and safety measures in place at the courthouse.
Chapman, a resident of Waterbury, was known for his basketball skills during his time at local high schools in Waterbury and Naugatuck. He later played for Monroe Community College in New Rochelle, New York, where his team won a regional junior college tournament, and he was named the most outstanding player.
In one of Chapman’s pending criminal cases, Waterbury police alleged that he and another individual were found in possession of a “ghost gun,” hundreds of rounds of ammunition, and drugs such as cocaine and heroin. Chapman had pleaded not guilty to these charges.
While the motive for the shooting remains unknown, it is a tragic incident that highlights the ongoing issue of gun violence and crime in the community. As authorities continue their investigation, efforts to ensure the safety of individuals entering and exiting the Waterbury Superior Court must be prioritized. The loss of a young individual with aspirations and potential like Chapman serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of such violence in our society.