There was a somber mood inside of Waterbury Superior Court part A courtroom today as family and friends of Jarron Chapman, who was gunned down in a brazen broad daylight hit outside of Waterbury Superior Court House last month, gathered for the 2nd apperance by accused killer Dante Howell, 29, of Meriden. Howell is accused of laying in wait outside of the Waterbury Superior Court House where Jarron Chapman was leaving from. After allegedly receiving word from alleged co-conspirator Deera Nelson, 21, Meriden, who is said to have been inside the courthouse and gave the word to Howell that Jarron Chapman was leaving out the Court House, Howell is accused of gunning Chapman down before fleeing on a motorized bike. Dressed in an all red prison jump suit and shackled, Howell enter the courtroom and looked around at the people in the gallery. There were not as many guards standing around Howell as in his Part B court appearance, however Howell had to be told to ” keep eyes forward ” just as in his last apperance. Being represented by the Public Defenders office for the time being, there was a brief chat between council and defendent after which it was explained to the Judge that there may be some conflict in representing Howell and he may be seeking paid representation. Due to State Law, anyone charged with Murder is entitled to a ” Probable Cause Hearing ” prior to to the arraignment. When asked if he would like to take advantage of that fact Howell immediately agreed and thanked the Judge before being escorted back out of the Courtroom. Next court date is scheduled for May 2nd.

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