On a quiet Friday afternoon in Plainville, Connecticut, what began as a normal day at a Milford Street home turned into a tragedy that left a family shattered and a community reeling. Police responded just before 4 p.m. to a 911 call from a woman who said her brother had admitted he had killed his girlfriend and his young daughter inside their house. By the time the long standoff ended, three people were dead and another had taken his own life.
Officers arrived at the Milford Street residence and soon identified the man inside as 27‑year‑old Patrick King. He was in the home with his girlfriend, 31‑year‑old Felisha Matthews, their shared 4‑year‑old daughter Ava King and Matthews’ 12‑year‑old daughter Mileena Matthews. The situation quickly escalated into a tense standoff that stretched on for hours.
Police surrounded the house and set up a perimeter, trying repeatedly to communicate with King. Negotiators spoke with him, and a multi‑town SWAT team was called in to assist. Officers used drones and attempted contact through various means, but King remained inside. After about two hours, authorities decided to use pepper gas in hopes of forcing him out.
Instead of surrendering, King shot himself shortly after the gas was deployed. He was transported to a hospital, where he later died from his injuries. Inside the home, investigators found Matthews, Ava and Mileena, all with fatal gunshot wounds. They were pronounced dead at the scene.
Neighbors and friends described the area as normally quiet, and the news of the killings sent shockwaves through the town. Flowers, balloons and stuffed animals began appearing on the porch of the home as residents struggled to process the loss. Local schools prepared support services for students affected by the death of 12‑year‑old Mileena, who was a student in the community.
Police confirmed that the firearms found at the scene were legally registered to King. At this time, officials have not released a motive for the shootings. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities continue to piece together what led to such a devastating sequence of events.
Plainville residents gathered in somber groups over the weekend, sharing memories of the victims and seeking ways to support one another. For many, the tragedy serves as a stark reminder of how quickly everyday life can change.
