Milford, Connecticut — A quiet Connecticut neighborhood has been left shaken after a deadly early-morning home invasion left one man dead and a woman hospitalized with a gunshot wound, according to police.
Authorities say the attack occurred while the victims were sleeping inside their Milford residence and appears to have been a targeted act rather than a random crime.
Intruders Allegedly Entered Home While Couple Slept
According to investigators, officers responded to a home on East Broadway at approximately 2:56 a.m. Wednesday after a 69-year-old woman called 911.
Police said the woman reported that two men entered the residence while she and her companion were asleep. The woman told authorities she woke up when the suspects entered the home.
Investigators say the intruders then opened fire, striking both occupants.
The woman was reportedly shot once in the head, while her companion suffered multiple gunshot wounds. Authorities said the suspects fled the scene while the woman remained on the phone with emergency dispatchers.
Victim Identified as Frederick Werner
When officers arrived at the residence, they found the woman’s companion dead inside the home. Police later identified the victim as 69-year-old Frederick Werner, who also lived at the residence.
The surviving woman was transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of her injuries. An autopsy later determined that Werner died from multiple gunshot wounds.
Authorities officially ruled his death a homicide. Police have not publicly released additional details regarding the woman’s condition.
Police Say Attack Was Targeted
Investigators emphasized that evidence collected so far suggests the violence was not random.
“Based on evidence gathered, we have strong indications that this was a targeted incident and not a random act of violence,” Milford Police Chief Keith Mello said in a public update.
Authorities also confirmed the shooting is not being investigated as a domestic violence case. While detectives continue gathering evidence, police say there is currently no information indicating an ongoing threat to the broader community.
Increased Police Presence in Neighborhood
Following the shooting, Milford police increased patrols in the area to reassure concerned residents.
“These extra patrols are deployed solely for your support and to reassure our residents,” Mello said.
The heightened police presence comes as investigators continue interviewing witnesses and examining evidence connected to the case. Officials have not yet announced any arrests or identified potential suspects publicly.
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Community Reacts to Deadly Shooting
The shocking crime has unsettled residents in a neighborhood where many say violent incidents are rare. Some neighbors said they are taking additional safety precautions while the investigation remains active.
“Just for extra protection,” resident Karen Gilbert said regarding carrying pepper spray. “Just because you never know.”
Another longtime resident expressed disbelief over the violence.
“I leave my house unlocked all the time, and I’ve lived here all my life,” the resident said. “The people here are good-hearted.”
Despite growing concern, police continue to reassure residents that the evidence points to a targeted attack rather than a threat to the general public.
Investigation Remains Active
Authorities say detectives and patrol officers continue working around the clock to solve the case.
“Our detectives and our patrol officers are working tirelessly around the clock on this investigation, and we are making meaningful progress,” Mello said.
Police are asking anyone with information related to the shooting to contact the Milford Police Department.
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