WATERBURY, Conn. — A tragic act of violence has claimed the life of a 17-year-old girl in Waterbury, prompting an active homicide investigation by local authorities.
In the early hours of Friday morning, at approximately 2:48 a.m., officers from the Waterbury Police Department responded to reports of gunfire in the area of 185 Willow Street. Upon arrival, officers discovered a teenage female suffering from a gunshot wound. Emergency medical personnel arrived on scene and transported the victim to a nearby hospital. Despite life-saving efforts, the young woman succumbed to her injuries and was pronounced dead shortly after.
The victim has been identified as Carizma Fox, a resident of Waterbury. According to Waterbury Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Darren Schwartz, Carizma was a student at the Enlightenment School — an alternative education program dedicated to supporting students who face challenges in traditional educational settings. Dr. Schwartz expressed deep sorrow over the loss, noting that Carizma’s passing has left a profound impact on her classmates, teachers, and the larger school community.
“She was a part of our school family,” Schwartz said in a statement. “Our thoughts and prayers are with her family and loved ones during this devastating time. We are working closely with school counselors and support staff to provide grief counseling and emotional support for students and faculty affected by this tragedy.”
Waterbury police have classified the incident as a homicide. As of now, no suspects have been publicly identified, and no arrests have been made. Investigators are working diligently to determine the circumstances that led to the shooting and are urging anyone with information to come forward. Detectives are canvassing the area, reviewing surveillance footage, and speaking with potential witnesses in hopes of developing leads.
Lt. Ryan Bessette of the Waterbury Police Department emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving violent crimes such as this. “This is a heartbreaking case,” he said. “We are doing everything in our power to find out who is responsible and to bring justice to Carizma and her family. If you saw something or know anything — no matter how small it may seem — please come forward.”
The killing of Carizma Fox has sent shockwaves through the Waterbury community, especially as it highlights the troubling issue of gun violence among youth. Local leaders and residents are calling for greater action to prevent such senseless tragedies and to ensure young people have safe environments where they can grow, learn, and thrive.
As the investigation continues, the Waterbury community mourns the loss of a young life full of potential — a teenager remembered by her peers as vibrant, thoughtful, and kind-hearted.
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