PLAINVILLE, Conn. — The Plainville community is mourning the heartbreaking loss of 31-year-old Felisha Matthews and her two children, 12-year-old Mileena Matthews and 4-year-old Ava R. King, who were tragically killed Friday night, March 27, 2026, in a murder-suicide at their home on Milford Street. The devastating incident has left residents in shock and deep sorrow.
Authorities say 27-year-old Patrick J. King, Ava’s father and Felisha’s boyfriend, carried out the fatal shooting before taking his own life. Police were alerted after a family member called 911, reporting that King had confessed to the killings and intended to harm himself. Emergency crews, including SWAT teams from nearby areas, responded quickly to the scene.
Officers attempted to communicate with King during a tense standoff that lasted about two hours. When efforts to resolve the situation peacefully failed, authorities deployed measures to enter the home. King later shot himself and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he died from his injuries despite medical treatment.
Felisha Matthews was pronounced dead at the scene, remembered by loved ones as a caring partner and devoted mother. Her daughters, Mileena and Ava, also died from gunshot wounds. Mileena, a student at the Middle School of Plainville, is being remembered by classmates and teachers, with counseling services made available to help students cope with the tragedy.
Officials confirmed that the family had only recently moved into the home in mid-January 2026. There had been no prior reports of domestic disturbances at the residence. Authorities also noted that the firearm used in the incident was legally owned by King, who had a permit to carry.
As the investigation continues, the community has come together to support those affected by the loss. Local leaders have expressed their condolences, emphasizing the deep impact of the tragedy. Friends, neighbors, and loved ones now remember Felisha, Mileena, and Ava, holding onto their memory while facing the pain of an unimaginable loss.
