The Waterbury Times|Published Aug 1, 2025

Waterbury, CT- An arrest has been made in connection with the July 11th shooting death of 17-year-old Carizma Fox, marking a major development in a case that has deeply impacted the Waterbury community.

Shamar Atwater, 40, of Waterbury, was apprehended Friday morning and charged with murder and multiple firearms-related offenses. He is accused of fatally shooting Fox during a late-night disturbance on Willow Street.

Emergency responders arrived shortly before 3 a.m. and found Fox suffering from a gunshot wound to the torso. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she was later pronounced dead. The Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide.

Waterbury Crime Central – News & Updates

Following a multi-week investigation led by the Waterbury Police Department’s Detective Bureau, a warrant was issued for Atwater’s arrest. He had been considered armed and dangerous and remained at large until his arrest this morning.

Atwater is being held on a $3 million bond and is expected to be arraigned in Waterbury Superior Court in the coming days.

Follow up on the aftermath here

Fox, who was preparing to begin her senior year at Enlightenment School, was remembered in several community memorials and vigils in the weeks following her death.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.

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