(Vernon, CT) - Craig P. Nowak, State’s Attorney for the Tolland Judicial District, today announced that the Honorable Tejas Bhatt in Superior Court at Rockville on April 10, 2026 sentenced Alvin Waugh, age 35, of Hartford, to 50 years in prison for the 2021 murder of Zeshan Chaudhry, age 30, of Vernon.
On January 30, 2026, a Superior Court jury found Waugh guilty of Murder, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 53a-54, and Carrying a Pistol Without a Permit, in violation of Connecticut General Statutes § 29-35. During the April 10 sentencing, several members of the victim’s family spoke at the emotional hearing, while others provided written letters to the court.
Evidence at trial showed that on June 27, 2021, the victim had told the defendant to leave the Motel 6 in Vernon where the victim worked after the defendant became belligerent over the price of a swimming pool pass. Rather than leave, the defendant returned to his motel room, retrieved a homemade semi-automatic pistol, and fatally shot the victim eleven times before fleeing on foot.
Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Emily Trudeau prosecuted the case with the assistance of Inspector P.J. Clark, Certified Legal Intern Alexandria McCormick, and the cooperation of the Vernon Police Department and the Connecticut State Police.
“We know that no duration of incarceration can replace the life that was taken from the Chaudhry family,” Supervisory Assistant State’s Attorney Trudeau said. “The family has endured this long process with dignity and grace, and we hope today gives them at least some closure. Their words - that grief is the last act of love - are inspiring and we wish them all the best in their future. It was an honor to get to know them during the course of this case.”