A Connecticut man answered his sister’s call for help during a burglary at her home next door, shot and killed a masked intruder who turned out to be his own teenage son, state police said on Friday.
Self-defence gone awry
The burglar was Tyler Giuliano, aged 15, and he was wearing a ski mask and appeared to be armed when he was shot on by his father. The police have declined to identify the father, said Lieutenant J. Paul Vance, a spokesman for the Connecticut State Police.
The father’s sister, who lives next door, was home alone before 1 a.m. when she called him to report someone trying to break into her home. The father went over to investigate and was approached by a masked person dressed entirely in black and holding a shiny object, the police said in a statement:
“Believing the suspect was armed with a weapon and about to attack him, the (father) discharged his personal handgun at the suspect,” police said.
A tragic killing
When the police officers arrived, they found Tyler lying dead with a knife in his hand, and his father was sitting on the grass. Detectives informed the Giuliano several hours later that he had killed his son.
“All in all, it’s a tragedy,” Vance commented.
Giuliano was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. “(He) was lying on the ground in the driveway with obvious gunshot injuries, holding a weapon,” the statement said. Vance declined to further describe the weapon.
Authorities seized the father’s gun, were investigating whether it is registered and will consult with the state’s attorney to determine if any charges will be filed, Vance said.
Police are investigating why Tyler, who has no prior criminal history, was outside his aunt’s home. “We truly don’t know. We’ll look at the family dynamics, (his) school locker, cell phone, computer to figure out what’s going on.”
How to confront a burglar in your home
Burglaries are not crimes of violence as the thieves are more interested in your possessions than in causing harm. However, a burglar caught in the act may react violently in an attempt to escape. Remain calm, and avoid confronting a burglar because you could endanger yourself and your loved ones — their safety is your top priority:
1. Call the police from a safe place and let them investigate.
2. Do not attempt to confront the burglars.
3. Do not assume the burglars are gone if you return to find your home empty.
Source: Reuters
