Dillon Cornelius, an 18-year-old from West Haven, died as a result of a fatal downtown shooting early Sunday morning.

Dillon Cornelius, an 18-year-old from West Haven, died as a result of a fatal downtown shooting early Sunday morning.
Fatal West Haven shooting death of Dillon Cornelius

West Haven authorities reported that gunfire erupted on College Street, specifically between Crown and Chapel Streets, around 2:52 a.m. Sunday. Police responding to what they initially believed to be a disturbance at a bar were the first to discover Dillon Cornelius lying injured in the street. He was pronounced dead at the scene after being transported to Yale New Haven Hospital.

The crime scene investigation revealed numerous shell casings in the area, and several vehicles and nearby businesses sustained damage from stray bullets. Later that morning, another individual, identified as a 23-year-old man from Hamden, was treated for minor injuries at Yale New Haven Hospital. Police have not established a link between the two shooting victims.

Investigators are actively seeking witnesses or anyone with information related to the incident. The public is encouraged to contact the West Haven Police Department detectives at 203-946-6304 or use the anonymous tip line at 866-888-TIPS (8477).