Police Nab Thompson Man In Danbury Vigil Shooting Death

DANBURY, CT — Police have apprehended a Thompson man in connection with the shooting death of another during a candlelight vigil on July 12.

On Wednesday, police charged Bryan Dorin Howell, 39, of Thompson, with first-degree assault, criminal possession of a firearm, unlawful discharge of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit and breach of peace in the fatal shooting of Raymond Simmons, of Waterbury.

"During the course of investigating Simmons' death, witnesses were identified and interviewed, several anonymous tips were received and surveillance footage was obtained and reviewed, which lead to identifying Howell as the person responsible for killing Simmons," said Det. Sgt. Adam Marcus. Simmons was killed while both men were attending a candlelight vigil in the area of Beaver St. and Elm St. in Danbury.

The Danbury PD was assisted by the state police and the US Marshals Service Violent Fugitive Taskforce, Marcus said.

Howell is currently being held on a $1,000,000 bond.

The investigation is still open and active. Police urge anyone with more information to contact Detective Travis Kupchok at 203-797-2168 or the anonymous TIPS Line at 203-790-8477.