Crime
Patrick King Fatally Shoots Girlfriend Felisha Matthews, Two Children, Then Dies by Suicide in Plainville
PLAINVILLE, Conn. — Authorities have released additional details following a tragic murder-suicide investigation that unfolded Friday night at a residence on Milford Street, leaving four people dead and a community in mourning.
According to the Plainville Police Department, the incident began when a woman called 911 reporting that her brother had confessed to shooting and killing his young daughter and girlfriend and intended to take his own life.
Responding officers quickly secured the area, and police tape was established around the home as emergency personnel initiated a large-scale response.
The suspect was identified as Patrick J. King, 27.
Specialized units, including SWAT teams and multiple assisting agencies, responded to the scene and attempted to establish communication with King. Despite their efforts, negotiations were unsuccessful.
After an approximately two-hour standoff, authorities deployed pepper gas into the home in an effort to force a resolution.
Shortly thereafter, King shot himself. SWAT officers entered the residence, provided emergency medical aid, and transported him to a nearby hospital, where he later died from his injuries.
Inside the home, officers discovered three victims, all suffering from apparent gunshot wounds.
They were later identified as Felisha Matthews, 31; Mileena Matthews, 12; and Ava R. King, 4.
Officials confirmed that Mileena Matthews was a student at Middle School of Plainville.
School administrators have indicated that counseling and support services will be made available to students and staff in the wake of the tragedy.
Local leaders expressed deep sorrow over the incident.
Michael T. Paulhus described the situation as “a horrific event,” calling it “a dark day” for the community. Christopher Wazorko added that the loss has deeply affected the close-knit town, extending condolences to the victims’ families and all those impacted.
Authorities reported that the family had moved into the residence in mid-January and that there had been no prior police calls to the home.
The firearm used in the incident was legally registered to King, who possessed a valid permit to carry.
The response drew a significant law enforcement presence, with dozens of officers, fire crews, and specialized units from neighboring jurisdictions—including Southington, Plymouth, and Bristol—assisting at the scene.
Nearby roads were closed, and aerial support, including a police drone, was utilized during the operation.
Residents in the area described a heavy emergency presence, with sirens and multiple police vehicles converging on what is typically considered a quiet neighborhood.
At this time, investigators have not determined a motive behind the killings.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities continue to examine the circumstances surrounding the incident.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, Kan. — A 23-year-old man from Riverton has died following a shooting at a rural property in Cherokee County, Kansas, and his 19-year-old brother has been booked into jail on a second-degree murder allegation, according to information released by authorities.
The victim was identified as Gannon Reece, 23, of Riverton, Kansas. The suspect was identified as Joshua Wilson, 19, also of Riverton, who is the victim’s brother.
According to the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail on suspicion of second-degree murder. Formal charges are expected to be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Authorities said the Cherokee County Emergency Communication Center received a 911 call on October 23, 2026, reporting that a person had been shot at 4971 SE 67th, in a rural area of Cherokee County.
Deputies were dispatched to the location to investigate the reported shooting.
When deputies arrived, they found a man suffering from gunshot wounds. Cherokee County Emergency Medical Services personnel examined the victim and determined that he had died.
The suspect, who authorities later identified as Joshua Wilson, was still at the scene when deputies arrived. Officers immediately detained him as the investigation began.
Authorities subsequently identified the deceased man as Gannon Reece and confirmed that Wilson was his younger brother.
Wilson was booked into the Cherokee County Jail in connection with Reece’s death on suspicion of second-degree murder.
According to the information provided by authorities, formal charges will be submitted to the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office. The available information does not specify whether prosecutors have formally filed the charges in court or whether Wilson has appeared before a judge.
The investigation remains ongoing as authorities work to establish the circumstances that led to the shooting.
No details have been released about what preceded the incident, whether an argument occurred, or what may have motivated the shooting. Authorities have not provided information about a possible firearm recovery or any other evidence beyond the initial circumstances described in the report.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation with assistance from the Kansas Bureau of Investigation and the Cherokee County Attorney’s Office.
Investigators are working to determine the full circumstances surrounding Reece’s death and gather evidence relevant to the case.
Authorities have stated that there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Officials also announced a temporary road closure affecting SE Lostine between Highway 69A and SE 60th.
Motorists were advised to use alternate routes until further notice while the closure remained in effect. The information provided did not specify when the roadway would reopen.
Drivers traveling through the area were encouraged to follow local traffic instructions and allow additional time for their journeys.
The fatal shooting has resulted in the death of a young Riverton resident and the arrest of his 19-year-old brother.
While authorities have identified both men and disclosed the booking allegation, several details remain unknown, including the events leading up to the shooting and the formal status of the prosecution.
The Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, Kansas Bureau of Investigation, and Cherokee County Attorney’s Office are continuing to investigate.
Joshua Wilson is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.