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Waterbury man killed in shooting at an event rental hall: Police

Officials said two parties were happening at the facility when a "disturbance" led to the shooting.

WATERBURY, Conn. — A Waterbury man is dead after a triple shooting overnight, police said. 

According to officials, the shooting happened at the So Blu'Niq rental hall event space on Sharon Road around 1:30 a.m. When officers got to the scene, they found three people who had been shot. 

One of the victims, 29-year-old Shaquille Morris, was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after. Two other women, aged 39 and 44, were also hit by gunfire, but their injuries were non-life-threatening, according to police. 

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"My body is just kind of numb right now. I'm at a loss for words," Shantel Morris, wife of Shaquille Morris, said. "I saw one of the ladies who was there and she ran off and fell. So I ran towards the door because I know my husband was in that direction and then I saw my husband with blood all over his shirt."

Investigators said two private parties were happening at the rental hall facility, including an event celebrating Mother's Day, where Shaquille Morris was the caterer.

At some point during the events, an argument over music happened between attendees at the parties, which led to the shooting. 

A family member of Shaquille Morris said that he "was the cook" and that "everybody knows he can cook really well so he made the food and was standing around, a guy from the other side of the club just opened fire."

Morris, who initially got up and was responsive after the shooting, took a turn for the worst.

"He was rushed to the hospital by friends who were here because the ambulance didn't show up in time to bring him there," one of Shaquille Morris' family members said.

No arrests have been made in the shooting investigation at this time, police said. The homicide marks the fifth of 2024 in Waterbury.

"There are too many guns in Waterbury. It's ridiculous," another family member said.

As the investigation continues by the Waterbury Police Department Major Crimes Division, so too does the life of a family now torn apart by gun violence.

"Why would they do that? What am I going to go home and tell my baby? My daughter literally can't function without a father," said Shantel Morris. "I am hurting for my babies more than I am hurting myself."

Family members described Shaquille Morris as a greater father and husband who was always there for people.

Anyone with information is asked to call the detective bureau at 203-574-6941 or Crime Stoppers anonymous tip line at 203-755-1234

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Jennifer Glatz is a digital content producer at FOX61 News. She can be reached at jglatz@fox61.com

Matt Caron is a reporter at FOX61 News. He can be reached at mcaron@fox61.com. Follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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