Legally Armed Friend Fatally Shoots Gunman After Father Kills Estranged Wife and Son During Domestic Dispute

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WOLCOTT, CT — A domestic dispute turned deadly on Saturday evening, resulting in the deaths of a father, mother, and son inside a home on Bound Line Road, according to local authorities. Police say the fatal confrontation was ultimately stopped by a legally armed bystander who acted in self-defense.

Wolcott Police Chief Edward Stephens stated that officers responded to the 600 block of Bound Line Road at approximately 6:27 p.m. following a 911 call reporting a shooting. When officers arrived, they found a man—identified as 34-year-old Joseph King—outside the residence, visibly shaken, and reporting that three people had been shot inside the home.

Inside, officers discovered the bodies of a 59-year-old man, his 55-year-old estranged wife, and their adult son.

According to the preliminary investigation, the father was in the process of moving out of the home, and his son and the son’s friend, King, were helping him with the move. The mother, who had been living in another town following separation from her husband, arrived to assist as well.

At some point, an argument broke out between the father and mother. Chief Stephens said the son and King attempted to de-escalate the situation, but the father produced a firearm and shot both his wife and son. In response, King drew his legally owned and registered firearm and shot the father, reportedly in defense of his own life.

“It appears he was defending himself when he shot and killed [the father],” said Chief Stephens. “He was fearing for his life.” Stephens described King as “very distraught” when making the 911 call.

In a recorded 911 call later released by police, King

can be heard urgently requesting help:

“I’m helping my friend move his parents out and his father just shot his mom in front of us and then shot him… There’s three bodies up on the floor.”

“The father—I shot the father.”

The residence, a three-bedroom colonial listed for $250,000, was reportedly under contract for sale at the time of the incident, according to Zillow.

As of now, no charges have been filed against King, and police are continuing to investigate the incident. Authorities have asked anyone with additional information to contact the Wolcott Police Department.

This tragic case underscores the critical importance of being prepared to defend oneself, especially when volatile domestic situations unexpectedly escalate into life-threatening violence. While it’s always preferable to avoid confrontation, this incident highlights how a legally armed citizen may be forced to act decisively when innocent lives are at stake.