Christopher Andrews with his wife, Kathleen Andrews. (Facebook)
A 51-year-old attorney was fatally shot by police in Connecticut after a “violent domestic assault” that sent his wife and three young children to the hospital, police say.
Christopher Andrews was fatally shot at his Mountain Laurel Road home early Tuesday morning in Fairfield, the Connecticut Post reports. His wife, Kathleen Greaney Andrews, 50, and his three children, ages 12, 13 and 15, were injured during the domestic assault that preceded the shooting, the newspaper reports. They suffered a “variety of blunt trauma injuries and stab wounds,” police said.
The incident was reported at about 6 a.m., police said.
“Officers responded and were confronted by a male subject who was shot by police during the encounter. He later died of his injuries,” Fairfield Police said in a statement.
The officer was identified Wednesday as Sean Fenton, who has been with the department since 1990. He has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation into the shooting.
The Connecticut State Police Major Crimes Unit and the Stamford State’s Attorney’s Office are leading the investigation because a Fairfield officer was involved.
State police said Andrews was armed when he “confronted” the Fairfield officer.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. Andrews’ Son Reportedly Wrestled a Baseball Bat Away From His Father During the Attack
Police have released few details about the domestic assault that led to the police-involved shooting. According to the Connecticut Post, Christopher Andrews was armed with a knife when he was shot by Officer Sean Fenton, and the victims suffered stab wounds.
According to the Post, Andrews’ oldest son “wrestled a bat” from his father after the elder Andrews used it to “bludgeon” other family members.
Christopher Andrews was shot outside his home.
“When the first officer arrived on scene he was immediately confronted by a male suspect who was in possession of a weapon,” Connecticut State Police said in a statement. “The officer discharged his firearm, striking the suspect.”
Fairfield police officers found four injured victims inside the home.
“The scene was secured and the road was shut down to all traffic to allow the investigation to take place. At the request of the Stamford State’s Attorney’s Office, State Police Detectives from the Western District Major Crime Squad responded to the scene and have assumed the investigation,” state police said. “Investigators from the Stamford State’s Attorney’s Office responded to the scene and are also assisting with the investigation.”
2. Andrews’ Brother Was Killed in the World Trade Center on 9/11
Christopher Andrews. (Facebook)
Christopher Andrews’ brother, Michael Andrews, died in the World Trade Center on 9/11.
Christopher Andrews, who was raised in Rockaway Beach, New York, with six siblings, was a partner at the law firm Andrews & Andrews in New York City, a small firm with offices on Lexington Avenue. The firm was founded in 1998.
The Queens native was admitted to the bar in 1992, according to his state law license. He attended St. John’s University for his undergraduate and law degrees.
He was also a well-liked youth basketball coach in Fairfield, according to News 12.
Steve Bogan, a family friend, told WFSB, “It’s unbelievable, hard to believe. It’s impossible to believe. They’re very nice people, kids are great. I was just with him a couple of days ago and they were as happy as could be.”
3. His Youngest Child Was Airlifted to the Hospital & His Wife Is in Critical Condition
Christopher and Kathleen Andrews. (Facebook)
State Police said Andrews’ youngest child, a 12-year-old boy, was airlifted to Yale-New Haven Hospital because of the seriousness of the injuries. He suffered blunt-force wounds to the head and face. The other two children, a 13-year-old girl and a 15-year-old boy, were taken to St. Vincent’s Medical Center in Bridgeport.
Kathleen Andrews, who is also originally from Rockaway, New York, was taken to Bridgeport Hospital, police said. According to the Connecticut Post, she is in critical condition with stab wounds to her face and blunt-force trauma wounds.
Christopher Andrews was taken to Bridgeport Hospital and pronounced dead. Officer Sean Fenton was also taken to the hospital for evaluation.
Police Chief Gary MacNamara told the Hartford Courant, “our concern right now, is for the family members who are injured.”
“With regards to weapons involved, there were some slice wounds, some stab wounds on the victims,” told reporters. “At this point, we’re not aware of any firearms in the residence. We’re still investigating.”
4. Police Say There Were No Previous Incidents at the Andrews’ Home
One man is dead after an officer involved shooting in #FAIRFIELD. Shooting followed domestic dispute @NBCConnecticut
Fairfield Police said there have been no previous reports of incidents at the Andrews’ Fairfield home.
Court records do not show any pending or closed cases involving either Christopher or Kathleen Andrews. There are also no pending civil cases in state court involving the couple.
“There is no history at this home with this family. We do look into it and so far, have found no history,” Lieutenant James Perez told reporters. “But you don’t have to have a history for an incident like this to happen.”
A neighbor, Jeff Vogt, told the Hartford Courant he heard yelling and then five or six shots at about 6 a.m. Vogt said the children used to run a lemonade stand on the block and he never heard of any violence involving the family.
“It’s awful, just awful,” Vogt told the Courant. “They were the quietest, nicest neighbors.”
The children were students in the Fairfield school system, which was offering counseling Tuesday to students and staff. According to Doing It Local, the oldest child is a student at Fairfield Warde High School.
A local Catholic church posted on Facebook about the incident, but it is not clear if the family were members of the parish.
“Today we are shocked and saddened by the tragic situation in our neighborhood on Mountain Laurel Road,” St. Pius X Church posted. “In your charity, please keep the family, and all those involved, in your prayers. The Faith Center Chapel is open, and will remain open, for anyone who would like to spend time in prayer. Thank you for your kindness, prayers, and patience as this situation develops.”
5. He & His Family Were Renting the $749,900 Home
Police have gotten a warrant and have entered Fairfield home where shooting occurred
Christopher and Kathleen Andrews were renting the home at 22 Mountain Laurel Road, according to the Connecticut Post.
Town records show the home is owned by Jacinta and Harun Keskinkaya. They purchased the home for $749,900 in 2004.
The 2,000-square foot white ranch was built in 1966.
The Keskinkayas’ daughter, who was not named, told the Connecticut Post, “From my parents, I only heard good things about the family. They were always so kind to us.”
Neighbors told the Hartford Courant that the Andrews have lived at the house for about 10 years.
