On the evening of October 21, 2016, 63-year-old Daniel Joseph Caron Sr. of Bristol, Connecticut, was shot once in the chest in the driveway of a Woodland Street residence and later died at Bristol Hospital. The shooter was identified as 35-year-old Chad Couture, a friend and coworker from the tool manufacturing industry. Couture was arrested at the scene, reportedly agitated, and told police he had accidentally shot Caron after drinking half a pint of vodka.

Investigators recovered a .45-caliber handgun from inside the home. Couture’s pistol permit had been revoked, although six firearms were registered in his name. He had a history of substance abuse and prior arrests, including for threatening and multiple DUI charges. Couture was charged with first-degree manslaughter with a firearm and criminal possession of a firearm; he later pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter and received a 25-year sentence, suspended after 15 years, followed by five years of probation.

Caron was remembered as a charismatic, kind, and generous family man who worked his entire career as a spring and tool maker; he graduated from Bristol Central High School and Waterbury State Technical College and enjoyed history and gardening. If anyone knew Daniel or has information about the night he was killed, please share what you know.