New Haven Woman, 54, Victim In Domestic Shooting Dies, ID Released: PD

NEW HAVEN, CT —A domestic violence victim has died days after being shot by her children's father, police said.

As the department is investigating the Aug. 19 Shelton Avenue shooting that initially left Sheila Harris critically injured, but police spokesperson Capt. Rose Dell said Wednesday night that the 54-year-old New Haven woman has died.

"We are deeply saddened to announce that the victim, identified as Sheila Harris, has tragically passed away from her injuries," Dell said. "Our heartfelt condolences go out to her family and friends during this difficult time."

It was around 11:30 p.m. when cops were called to a house on the 200 block of Shelton Avenue where Harris, told them about a "physical altercation with her children's father earlier in the evening." Cops looked for the man but did not find him, Dell said, and then, made the safety plan.

Three hours later, at around 2:30 a.m., cops were dispatched to the "area outside of the residence where the domestic had occurred, in response to reports of gunfire on Shelton Avenue," Dell said. There, cops found Harris suffering from gunshot wounds and Christopher Garvin, 54, described as her children's father dead from a gunshot wound. Police later said that a family member trying to protect Harris shot Garvin.

Harris was rushed to Yale New Haven Hospital that night. Four days later and "despite the best efforts of medical professionals," Harris died Wednesday, Dell said.

Detectives from the Special Victims Unit and the Bureau of Identification are diligently
working to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and piece together the events leading up to
this tragic incident. We will continue to provide updates on the status of the investigation as
they become available.