Police in Connecticut have uncovered a grisly scene following a violent armed standoff, discovering a decomposed body and a significant arsenal of explosives inside a suburban home.
Armed confrontation and barricaded suspect
Stamford police officers were called to a residential property on Tuesday morning after a state marshal, attempting to carry out a court-ordered eviction, dialled 911. The situation escalated rapidly when the 63-year-old male resident barricaded himself inside and began firing at law enforcement.
The exchange of gunfire continued for hours, with the man shooting at officers on multiple occasions throughout the day. Police vehicles were damaged in the incident. Authorities returned fire, but no officers sustained injuries during the confrontation.
Discovery of a second body and explosive devices
Later on Tuesday, the standoff came to a tragic end when the man was found dead inside the home. Police believe he died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
While securing the property afterwards, officers made a chilling discovery on the second floor. They found a severely decomposed body of another individual. Furthermore, the home was rigged with numerous explosive devices, including pipe bombs, grenades, and Molotov cocktails.
"This was an extremely dangerous incident that tragically resulted in the loss of two lives," said Police Chief Timothy Shaw in an official statement. He commended the coordinated efforts of local, state, and federal agencies, including hostage negotiators who had engaged with the man for hours.
Ongoing investigations and foreclosure background
The Stamford police bomb squad was deployed to safely remove the hazardous materials before detectives could begin their forensic work. Authorities are now working to identify the second deceased person and determine their cause of death.
Separately, the state inspector general's office will investigate the officers' use of deadly force during the incident.
Court records reveal a backdrop of financial distress. A bank had foreclosed on the home, and in April, demanded the residents vacate due to unpaid mortgage. A judge ordered the eviction last month after offering the tenants a final opportunity to make payments.
An email seeking comment was sent on Wednesday night to an attorney who had represented the man in the foreclosure proceedings.
If you or someone you know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, support is available. In the UK and Ireland, Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123. Other international helplines can be found at www.iasp.info/suicidalthoughts.
