Vernon, Connecticut — What began as a dispute over a $10 pool pass on a sweltering summer afternoon ended in deadly violence at a Connecticut motel, a case that is now heading to trial nearly five years later.
A 35-year-old man accused of fatally shooting a motel owner during an argument by the pool will face a jury later this month, according to court records.
Trial set nearly five years after deadly confrontation
Alvin Waugh is scheduled to stand trial beginning Jan. 21 in Tolland County Superior Court, where he faces multiple charges, including murder, risk of injury to a child, and carrying a handgun without a permit.
Waugh has remained behind bars since his arrest in 2021 and is currently being held on $2 million bond. Prosecutors allege he shot and killed Zeshan Chaudhry, the manager and owner of a Vernon motel, following an escalating argument over access to the property’s outdoor swimming pool.
Argument erupted during extreme heat
The shooting occurred just before 4 p.m. on June 27, 2021, as temperatures hovered around 90 degrees. According to investigators, Waugh and his girlfriend had been staying at the Motel 6 on Hartford Turnpike for approximately a month before the incident.
Police say Chaudhry approached Waugh, his girlfriend, and another individual while they were gathered near the pool and demanded payment for a $10 pool pass. The situation escalated after Waugh’s girlfriend reportedly offered only $5, refusing to pay the full amount.
“Mr. Chaudhry did not take the money,” Sgt. Robert Marra told investigators. “There was a verbal argument that ensued after that.”
Confrontation spills indoors, then back outside
According to court documents, the argument moved inside the motel hallway when Waugh’s girlfriend walked away from the pool area. Chaudhry followed her, continuing the confrontation until she returned outside to rejoin Waugh.
During the dispute, Chaudhry allegedly questioned whether the couple had previously paid less for pool access and demanded to know which employee authorized it, stating he wanted that person fired.
The argument ultimately led Chaudhry to kick the couple out of the motel, instructing staff to lock them out of their room. Police say that decision marked a turning point in the encounter.
Prosecutors say decision “set Waugh off”
Investigators allege that after being locked out, Waugh returned to the motel room, retrieved a homemade handgun, and went back toward the pool area.
Police affidavits state that Waugh had previously made comments about using the weapon to go to “war,” raising concerns about his mindset prior to the shooting.
According to authorities, Waugh and Chaudhry argued again for about a minute before Waugh allegedly pulled the firearm from his pocket and fired multiple shots.
“It sounds like the victim began to antagonize him,” Sgt. Marra said. “I don’t know if he knew that he had a gun.”
Shooting captured on surveillance video
Investigators say the entire incident was captured on one of the motel’s security cameras, a key piece of evidence expected to be presented during the trial.
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Emergency responders rushed to the scene and attempted life-saving measures, but Chaudhry was pronounced dead at a local hospital. Waugh fled on foot but was taken into custody a short time later.
Charges include child endangerment
In addition to the murder charge, Waugh is also accused of risk of injury to a child, indicating that a minor may have been present during the altercation and shooting. Prosecutors say the presence of children near the pool area at the time of the incident will factor into the case.
Waugh has pleaded not guilty. His defense is expected to challenge the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the events that led up to the shooting.
Case highlights consequences of heated disputes
The case underscores how seemingly minor disputes can escalate with devastating consequences, particularly when firearms are involved. What began as a disagreement over a small fee ended with the loss of a business owner’s life and a defendant facing the possibility of decades behind bars.
As jury selection approaches, the case is once again drawing attention in Vernon and surrounding communities, reopening painful memories for those who witnessed or were affected by the incident.
Do you think disputes at public places are escalating too quickly in recent years? Share your thoughts in the comments below.
