Two teens charged in deadly Waterbury nightclub shooting
Waterbury police have identified two 17-year-olds accused of opening fire into a crowd outside a city nightclub earlier this month, killing two people.
The suspects, identified as Diondre Weaver of West Hartford and Dorien Glenn of New Britain, are charged with murder in connection with the shooting outside the LA 42 nightclub. Both are being held on $3 million bond and are being prosecuted in adult court.
Police identified the suspects on Tuesday and said the shooting stemmed from an altercation that began inside the nightclub.
“Our hearts go out to the victims’ family,” Waterbury Police Chief Fernando Spagnolo said.
According to investigators, the dispute continued outside the club, where the suspects allegedly retrieved firearms and began shooting into a crowd.
“There was some sort of altercation that broke out inside the club. The circumstances surrounding that altercation are still open, and we’re still trying to understand. At some point, the suspects and several people exited the club, and the suspects retrieved weapons and fired upon the crowd,” Spagnolo said.
Police said investigators recovered several handguns and that a cellphone left at the scene helped them identify the suspects.
The shooting killed 18-year-old Zaniya Dawkins and 22-year-old Trey-Von Dunbar, both of Waterbury. Police said neither victim appeared to have any connection to the suspects.
Authorities said officers had increased patrols in the area before the shooting because of previous issues there. Police also noted broader concerns about youth gun violence across Connecticut.
Local violence prevention advocates say communities can benefit from places where young people can safely gather and build positive relationships.
“What we’ve really focused on is creating safe spaces for youth to just drop in. So it’s not even structured programming; there’s no curriculum, you’re just able to drop in and have a place where they can connect with role models,” said Olivia Dudley of Waterbury Youth Services.
The LA 42 nightclub has since surrendered its liquor permit and is closed. People at the club declined to comment Tuesday.
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