Facebook photo
John Tubac at HSC's graduation in June.
A 17-year-old New Havener named John Tubac died on Thursday — four days after he was shot and injured in Fair Haven, and less than a month after he graduated from High School in the Community.
City police spokesperson Scott Shumway announced Tubac’s death in an email press release sent out Thursday afternoon.
He wrote that Tubac died from injuries he sustained after he was shot on Sunday at around 11:10 p.m. on Poplar Street between Pine Street and Chatham Street.
The night of the shooting, Tubac was taken by ambulance to the hospital, where he was treated for life-threatening injuries and was listed in critical condition, according to the press release.
New Haven Public Schools (NHPS) spokesperson Justin Harmon confirmed for the Independent on Thursday afternoon that Tubac graduated from High School in the Community just a few weeks ago, in June.
“The school is reaching out to students to offer support and is raising funds for the family,” he said.
Family, friends and former HSC classmates took to Facebook on Thursday to mourn Tubac’s death and share memories of his too-short life.
Fellow HSC graduate Thomas Sabin wrote about Tubac’s “passion for music” and talents as a saxophone player. “I had the chance to see him walk the stage at graduation a few weeks ago and can’t even express how proud I am to have seen this shy boy become a respectful, resilient, young man,” he wrote.
“I will love and remember you forever my son,” Tubac’s mother, Amalia Saquil, wrote. “And I know you’re in a better place, where you can always see us. God bless you son where ever you are.”
Tubac’s shooting death marks New Haven’s sixth homicide of the year so far.
Police ask that any witnesses who have not yet spoken with the Police contact the New Haven Police Department Investigative Services Division at 203 – 946-6304. Callers may remain anonymous or submit tips anonymously by calling 1 – 866-888-TIPS(8477), or text “NHPD plus your message” to 274637 (CRIMES).
My condolences to the friends and family of the deceased. So sad that a young person was taken from the world before they even had a chance to start their life as an adult.
Please, if you know this young man, do not retaliate, and instead volunteer with anti violence groups to prevent more losses of lives.
Please, if you know who is responsible for this murder, or if you know people who were involved or are planning to retaliate, stand up, speak out, and say no more violence.
Let the police know any information to bring justice for him, and get those involved off the streets so they can’t continue to hurt people, or contact an anti violence group, or a community leader to get the information to the correct persons to stop the cycle of violence.