Police: Two men entered Milford home while couple slept, killed one, wounded other
The victims in Wednesday's homicide investigation were identified as Fred Werner, 69, who died at the scene, and Sandy Cooper, 69, who's recovering at the hospital.
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Two intruders entered a Milford home on Fort Trumbull Beach while the couple there slept, then fatally shot the man and wounded the woman, police said in an update Friday morning.
The victims in Wednesday's homicide investigation were identified as Fred Werner, 69, who died at the scene, and Sandy Cooper, 69, who's recovering at the hospital.
Police responded to the beachfront home at 871 East Broadway after Cooper called 911 just before 3 a.m. and reported she was woken by the sound of two men entering her home while she and her significant other, Werner, were asleep in the bedroom. Cooper said the men shot her once in the head and shot Werner multiple times, according to police. She was still on the phone with dispatch when officers arrived, but the intruders had already taken off, per police.
"We have strong indications this was a targeted incident and not a random act of violence," said Chief Keith Mello in a video statement posted to social media Thursday night.
Mello said police were increasing their presence in the neighborhood but stressed there's nothing to suggest an ongoing threat to the community.
"These extra patrols are deployed solely for your support and to reassure our residents," Mello stated.
On Friday, people who live nearby reacted to the police update.
"Knowing that there's not a public threat, I feel better about it. A little safer, especially with the police around and everything," one woman told News 12.
"Absolutely, I think the police presence adds an added sense of safety, and I'm for that," said Lisa Calabro, whose family rents a beach house in the neighborhood every summer. "I feel at ease."
But other people said until police announce the suspects are in custody or explain why they believe no one else is in danger, it's unsettling to them.
"Because this is an active investigation, we will not be releasing any additional information right now, but we will keep you informed of any developments at the appropriate time," Mello said in his message. "Our detectives and our patrol officers are working round the clock on this investigation, and we are making meaningful progress."
One man who grew up in the neighborhood but declined to give his name urged people not to overreact.
"I don't think it will be a reoccurring problem. Whoever did it, I'm sure they'll figure out what happened. The police are on top of things," he told News 12. "I feel terrible for the people involved. It's a wonderful neighborhood, and certainly everyone's shocked, I'm sure."
"I didn't think it would happen in a place like this, but it goes to show you it can happen anywhere," Calabro said.
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‘Just devastating.’ Man killed, woman hospitalized after shooting at Milford home
