Plainville authorities are processing a grim scene Saturday morning following a triple homicide and suicide that claimed the lives of a mother and two children. The quiet residential neighborhood on Milford Street remains cordoned off as investigators continue their work.
The incident began Friday afternoon at approximately 4:00 p.m. when police received a harrowing call from a local woman. She informed dispatchers that her brother, 27-year-old Patrick King, had contacted her to confess to the shooting of his girlfriend and his young daughter.
Upon arrival at 36 Milford Street, officers immediately established a secure perimeter and evacuated nearby residents. Negotiators spent several hours attempting to establish a dialogue with King, who remained barricaded inside the residence with the victims.
The standoff reached a critical point late Friday evening when tactical units decided to deploy pepper gas into the structure to force a resolution. Moments after the gas was introduced, a single gunshot was heard from within the home.
Police entered the premises to find King suffering from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He was rushed to the Hospital of Central Connecticut in New Britain but succumbed to his injuries a short time later.
Inside the residence, investigators discovered the bodies of 31-year-old Felisha Matthews and two young girls. The children have been identified as 12-year-old Mileena Matthews and 4-year-old Ava King.
Authorities confirmed that King was the biological father of the youngest victim, Ava. All three victims were pronounced dead at the scene from apparent gunshot wounds.
State Police Major Crimes detectives joined the investigation Saturday morning to assist with forensic processing. This domestic tragedy occurs as President Donald Trump reiterates his commitment to providing federal resources for local police departments dealing with violent crime and mental health emergencies.
Plainville officials are working to provide counseling services for the families and first responders involved. The neighborhood remains in shock as flowers and tributes begin to appear near the police tape on Milford Street.