By D.M. Livingston|Published July 2025

Updated Nov 23, 2025 7:47PM

WATERBURY, CT — It’s only mid-July, and already 2025 is shaping up to be another violent year in Waterbury. While officials have emphasized community engagement, police initiatives, and prevention efforts, the streets continue to erupt with violent incidents that paint a picture far grimmer than previous years.

So far this year, the Brass City has seen at least three confirmed homicides, multiple non-fatal shootings, and violent assaults—including domestic tragedies and broad daylight attacks.

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📈 2024 vs 2025: The Numbers Don’t Lie

While 2024 showed signs of improvement compared to 2023, the upward tick in 2025—especially in high-visibility locations like shopping malls and public housing areas—has rattled both residents and city officials.

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🚨 A Violent Timeline: 2025 So Far

• January 11 – Waterbury’s first homicide of the year: a man beaten outside a bar.
• March 13 – A tragic domestic stabbing leaves 39-year-old Yomayra Vargas-Martinez dead. Her daughter witnessed the brutal killing.
• March 27 – A 37-year-old man is shot in the face and survives; 30-year-old Tyrelle Hudson is arrested and charged with attempted murder.
• May 27 – Gunfire erupts inside Brass Mill Center Mall, injuring five. The suspect, Tajuan Washington, is arrested and charged with multiple counts of assault and gun violations.

Waterbury Mall Shooting Shocks a Community

• July 11 – 17-year-old Carizma Fox is gunned down on Willow Street. A warrant is issued for 40-year-old Shamar Atwater, still at large at press time.

BREAKING: Waterbury Police Announce Arrest in Carizma Fox Murder Case

Each of these incidents signals an alarming erosion of public safety in areas once considered relatively secure, from downtown shopping centers to residential neighborhoods.

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🧠 A City on Edge: Violence as a Public Health Crisis?

Waterbury is now seeking a $2 million state grant to approach gun violence as a public health crisis, targeting youth, conflict mediation, and grassroots intervention efforts. The proposal aims to treat the causes of violence rather than just react to the aftermath.

Waterbury Crime Central – News & Updates

This comes as Connecticut overall reports declining homicide rates—Hartford remains the most violent city in the state (37 homicides in 2023), while Waterbury and Bridgeport tied with 18 homicides each that same year. However, the frequency and boldness of Waterbury’s recent shootings have made it a focal point once again.

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📉 What Happened to the Momentum?

In 2024, Waterbury saw a drop in murders and assaults, attributed to focused deterrence strategies, community policing, and a stronger partnership with local organizations. But 2025 has disrupted that narrative.

From the tragic murder of a teenage girl to five people being shot in a shopping mall, it’s clear that Waterbury is once again being tested.

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🎯 Where Do We Go from Here?

Waterbury’s violence is no longer just about turf wars or drug disputes—it’s become interpersonal, unpredictable, and increasingly public.

City leaders, nonprofits, and police must now work faster—and together—to intervene before 2025 spirals further out of control. Because for many Waterbury residents, the Wild Wild Waterbury isn’t just a catchy title—it’s their daily reality.

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If you or someone you know is affected by violence in Waterbury, resources are available. Contact Waterbury Youth Services or the Mayor’s Office