SOUTHINGTON -- Police said the death of Southington woman is being investigated as a homicide.
Naugatuck police called Southington police around 6 a.m. Sunday, asking they stop by a 58 Manor Road for a welfare check on Michelle Barrett, 41.
When Southington police arrived, they found Barrett dead in the backyard with a gunshot wound. Police said they are investigating this as a homicide.
Naugatuck police said the suspect, Robert DeSantis, 40, of Naugatuck, went into the Naugatuck Police Department where he shot himself. He's currently at the hospital. He is in serious condition.
Barrett’s brother said his sister was shot and killed in their grandmother’s backyard Sunday.
“I can’t imagine something like that happening to someone,” said Courtney Stearn, who lives across the street from the crime scene. “It’s just very terrible.”
For Stearns, the shooting hits too close to home.
“The coroner I think came earlier and my son, definitely very freaked out by seeing everything,” Stearns said.
“Originally there were just three or four cruisers there and then the state police came over,” said Lawrence Perry, who lives down the street from the victim.
Neighbors tell FOX61 that the victim lived with her grandmother.
“I hope it gets solved,” said Perry’s girlfriend, Hannah Platt.
The tragedy has horrified neighbors including, Hannah Platte, who lives just down the street with Perry.
“It’s definitely really scary and yeah I don’t know why that would happen.”
“I’ve been in Southington my entire life, This isn’t normal. We don’t have this we don’t have this problem here.”
Stearns says she is keeping the victim and her family as well as the victims her thoughts.
“Felt terrible for the family,” she said. “I can’t imagine going, I’ve never seen anything like this.”
Police said Barrett and DeSantis had once been in a relationship.
The shootings remain under investigation and no charges have been announced.