On Father’s Day in Hartford, Connecticut, the parents of a four-month-old baby boy were fatally shot, and a woman was critically injured, after a dog fight turned violent.
Authorities said that during a confrontation at 67 Franklin Avenue, new parents Chase Garrett, 39, Christina Dang, 27, and an unidentified woman in her 20s were shot.
Just after 9 p.m. on Sunday, Hartford Police responded to reports of gunshots.
Garrett and Dang died at the scene, while the third victim was taken to the hospital in a critical condition.
Police Chief Jason Thody said at a press conference on Monday that the shooting occurred after a minor neighbor dispute over a dog quickly escalated.
A person of interest has been identified by police, who they believe fled in a vehicle after shooting the victims.
Police later discovered the vehicle, which is currently being investigated. An investigation has been launched to locate the person, whose identity has not been revealed.
The dog’s owner is unknown, but police said those involved in the shooting had never reported or complained about the animal before.
The third victim, who shared a house with Garrett and Dang, is in critical condition.
Garrett posted a picture of him lovingly carrying his son with the caption ‘My first father’s day’ just hours before the tragic shooting on Sunday that left his child an orphan.
Garrett and Dang appeared to be having a good time as new parents, frequently posting pictures of their child on social media.
‘I never imagined myself as a father…but I’ll do my best to be the best father I can be…taught and continues to teach me so much! Garrett also wrote on Father’s Day on Facebook, “My lil Angel…literally.”
Olivia Anderson, Dang’s cousin, told NBC that the young family of three had recently relocated to Hartford, Connecticut, to be closer to Garrett’s family.
Anderson told the outlet, ‘She just had him in February and she was trying to do better for herself and her family.’
Julie Dang recalled her sister as a wonderful mother and expressed regret that her nephew had lost both of her parents due to a pointless feud.
‘Christina was my baby sister,’ says the narrator. She was a vibrant, beautiful soul. ‘She was a mother to a four-month-old Chosen and she died over a pointless quarrel,’ Dang told NBC.
‘It’s difficult for a child to lose both parents on the same night, especially on Father’s Day, which should be loved and celebrated.’
DCF now has custody of the child, according to police.
On Sunday, shortly after 9 p.m., a shooting occurred in the driveway of the 67 Franklin Avenue apartment complex.
The person of interest’s identity has not been revealed, but police have stated that they are actively looking for him. A representative from DailyMail.com has been contacted for comment.
The individual’s vehicle, which was driven away from the scene, has been recovered and is being processed for evidence.
At a press conference on Monday, police pleaded with the public to call 911 if they see people arguing so that the situation can be de-escalated before it becomes a tragedy.
‘Very personal disputes, minor personal disputes, escalating at an incredible rate into violence, and the presence of guns turns those disputes fatal,’ said Chief Bronin.
‘I can’t stress this enough: we need to find better ways to resolve our conflicts without resorting to violence.’ Officers are frustrated because these incidents are difficult to predict and prevent.’
The Hartford Police Department is asking anyone with information about the shooting to contact them.