Revenge may have been the motive behind a deadly home invasion in Milford, Connecticut, that left one man dead and his partner injured, according to new court documents.
Frederick Werner, 69, was found dead with multiple gunshot wounds inside the East Broadway home on June 3. His partner, who was shot in the head, is recovering from her injuries. The couple's home was targeted, police stated.
Ivan Barias-Florimon, 24, and Stuar Lopez-Reyes, 25, both Dominican nationals, have been arrested in connection with the incident. The Department of Homeland Security confirmed their immigration status to Fox News Digital and stated the agency is seeking to revoke their green cards.
According to an unsealed arrest warrant, the surviving victim told investigators she had recently fired an employee and suspected this may have been a factor in the attack. She believed the employee was stealing money from her real estate business. The warrant states that text messages between this fired employee and Barias-Florimon revealed his alleged enraged reaction to the firing. The exact nature of the relationship between the two is unclear.
The fired employee reportedly texted Barias-Florimon that her boss was "going to make my life hell." In response, Barias-Florimon allegedly texted, "I'll make her life hell." Further texts indicate he also wrote, "[just] say the word" and "[I'll] **** her lifee OVERRRRRR."
Investigators were also told by the victim that she feared Lopez-Reyes and identified him as the other suspect seen inside the home on video surveillance.
Both Barias-Florimon and Lopez-Reyes are facing charges including murder and assault on an elderly person. They are currently being held in jail awaiting court appearances.
The incident occurred in a quiet beach town, and the arrests followed a two-month manhunt for the second suspect, who was captured by U.S. Marshals.