A 27-year-old man fatally shot his partner and two children before dying by suicide following a standoff with police at a residence on Milford Street, authorities confirmed Saturday.
According to Plainville Police, officers were alerted around 3:53 p.m. Friday after the suspect’s sister called 911. She reported that her brother, identified as Patrick J. King, had contacted her and claimed he had shot his girlfriend and their young daughter. Police said he had also spoken to other family members before the emergency call.
Officers quickly secured the area, and a multi-agency SWAT team responded. Authorities deployed drones inside the home and attempted to negotiate with King via phone for roughly two hours.
When negotiations failed, officers released chemical agents in an effort to force his surrender. At that point, King shot himself, police said. He was later pronounced dead despite life-saving efforts.
Upon entering the home, officers discovered three victims: King’s girlfriend, 31-year-old Felicia Matthews; their 4-year-old daughter, Ava R. King; and 12-year-old Melina Matthews, the older child from a previous relationship.
Police confirmed that the firearm used in the incident was legally registered, and King possessed a valid permit. Additional weapons were recovered from the residence.
Investigators have not yet determined a motive, and the case remains under active investigation.
Authorities described the neighborhood as typically quiet, leaving residents shocked by the violence.