Death Toll Climbs From Shooting Outside Waterbury Nightclub

WATERBURY, CT — A woman who was critically injured in a double shooting outside a local nightclub over the weekend has died, bringing the total number of fatalities to two.

The 18-year-old local resident was initially hospitalized in critical condition, but she succumbed on Monday due to the extent of her injuries, police said.

Police Sgt. Joseph Morais identified the female victim Tuesday as Zaniya Dawkins of Waterbury.

Police previously announced the other victim, Trey-Von Dunbar, 22, of Waterbury, had died.

Dawkins’ father, Tyjuan Dawkins, wrote on Facebook about his daughter’s death.

"Her future was so bright and she was full of dreams and plans she would conquer,” Dawkins said, in the Facebook post. “Unfortunately her life was cut short. I know we are not supposed to question God but I have so many questions. I will always cherish, and appreciate the 18 years we had together.”

The victim had planned to become a registered nurse, according to her father, who has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help with expenses.

“My name is Tyjuan Dawkins, my daughter was tragically taken away from us by a stray bullet while out with friends,” the campaign states. “She was a loving, caring, outgoing person with so many dreams. She just turned 18 less than a month ago and was signed up for school to become an RN. I appreciate any and everything everyone can do and has done. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

As of Tuesday morning, the campaign had raised $6,600 out of a $9,000 goal.

Morais said police were dispatched to LA 42 Night Club at 673 E. Main St. around 12:04 a.m. on July 5 for a report of shots fired.

Officers found the two victims unresponsive and suffering from apparent gunshot wounds on the ground outside the club, according to Morais. Both were rushed to area hospitals, where they died.

The police investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Waterbury Police Detective Bureau at 203-574-6941 or provide an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers at 203-755-1234.

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1 Dead, 1 Critically Injured In Shooting Outside Waterbury Nightclub: PD