Raymond Irvin Simmons, a 39-year-old Black man from Waterbury, was shot and killed while attending an outdoor vigil in Danbury on July 12, 2020. Police were called about 10:35 p.m. to the area near Beaver and Elm streets and found Simmons with multiple gunshot wounds; he was taken to Danbury Hospital and pronounced dead. An autopsy found gunshot wounds to the head, neck, torso, and extremities.

Investigators concluded the shooting was not random but grew out of a dispute that became physical. Authorities identified 42-year-old Bryan Dorin Howell of Thompson as the suspect; he fled on foot after the shooting and was arrested 17 days later. Howell was charged with murder, first-degree assault, and firearms offenses; he pleaded not guilty initially and later pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and criminal possession of a firearm. At sentencing he received a 20-year term with 15 years to serve followed by five years of probation. Simmons is remembered by his family as a loving father, husband, and son.

If anyone who was at the vigil or nearby that night has information that could clarify what led to the confrontation, please come forward.