A memorial is growing on Milford Street in Plainville, Connecticut, where the lives of Felisha Matthews and her two young daughters, Mileena, 12, and Ava, 4, were tragically cut short.
The loss is felt deeply by those who knew and loved the family, and as the community grieves, they remember a woman and her daughters who had so much life ahead of them.
Felisha Matthews was a woman full of life, someone who lit up the room with her laughter and energy. “I really loved Felisha, and I really loved those girls,” said Miranda Berger, a close friend of Felisha’s. Her voice shook as she tried to make sense of the loss.
Miranda recalled the deep bond she had with Felisha, describing how their daughters, her daughter and Felisha’s daughters, would spend time together. “I just dropped to the ground and cried,” she said.
“We were just on FaceTime, like, that week. Like, I don’t get it.” The suddenness of it all felt incomprehensible, leaving Miranda with a heart full of questions.
The tragedy unfolded over the weekend, when Plainville police officers were called to the Milford Street home. They had received a chilling call from the sister of 27-year-old Patrick King, Felisha’s boyfriend.
Patrick had reportedly told his sister that he had killed Felisha and her daughter Ava, and that he planned to take his own life. After two agonizing hours, Patrick did what he had threatened to do, and when police arrived, they found Felisha, Ava, and Felisha’s other daughter, Mileena, all shot in the head.
The news sent shockwaves through the community. “That was pretty shocking,” said Miranda, trying to process the violence. “I never really, I never really pictured Patrick to do that. Like I said, you could be best friends with somebody, and you’ll never really know what demons they carry.”
Patrick’s actions seemed to contradict everything that those who knew him thought they knew. In the eyes of those close to Felisha, he was always seen as just that—Felisha’s boyfriend.
But none of them had any idea that he was harboring such dark, violent thoughts. To those who loved Felisha, the news of her death felt unreal, and they were left reeling from the devastation of this tragic act.
Felisha, in life, was described as someone who was always the life of the party. Her friend Miranda remembers her as a loyal, fun-loving woman who would do anything for her friends and family.
“She loved to go camping and be there for her kids,” Miranda said. She also served as a 911 operator, a job that she dedicated herself to with passion and commitment.
Her colleagues at the Northwest Connecticut Public Safety Center remembered her as someone who was always there for others, no matter the circumstances.
“She was a former 911 operator,” Miranda shared. “Her motivation in life was inspiring to me.”
Miranda remembers that it was Felisha who inspired her to pursue her own goals. “I know that if it wasn’t for her, I don’t think I’d ever go for my CNA license,” she said, reflecting on how Felisha had motivated her to keep pushing toward her dreams.
Mileena, Felisha’s eldest daughter, was just entering her teenage years when her life was tragically taken. Described as a happy pre-teen with a great sense of humor, Mileena was loved by all who knew her. Miranda fondly recalled the special bond that Mileena had with her daughter, Bailey.
“She would actually make my daughter come out of her shell,” Miranda said. “And she would always be like, okay, Bailey, let’s do this. Let’s do that.”
Mileena, like her mother, had a vibrant personality that brought joy to those around her. She was a typical pre-teen, full of energy, excitement, and curiosity about the world. But now, Mileena is gone, leaving behind a mother, father, and community devastated by the senselessness of her death.
Then, there was Ava, Felisha’s youngest daughter. At just 4 years old, Ava was full of life, described as a “spitfire” by those who knew her. Although she was so young, she had a big personality, one that could make everyone smile. “She would actually make my daughter come out of her shell,” Miranda said. “And she would always be like, okay, Bailey, let’s do this. Let’s do that.”
Ava, just beginning to explore the world, is now another victim of a tragedy that no one saw coming. Her energy, her laughter, and her boundless curiosity have been silenced forever, leaving a hole in the hearts of all who loved her.
Now, as Miranda tries to make sense of the devastation, she is left with more questions than answers. Her daughter Bailey, who had been close to both Mileena and Ava, keeps asking to visit Ava’s house and FaceTime with her.
Miranda, unable to explain the unexplainable, struggles to find the words to ease her daughter’s grief. “I will never be able to hear her voice again,” she said, speaking of Felisha. “And I will never be able to see or hear Mileena’s voice, or Ava’s.”
Miranda’s words reflect the unbearable grief that has engulfed her, as well as the entire community. The pain of losing not just one, but three beloved lives, is a burden too heavy for anyone to bear. But in the midst of the heartache, there is a collective strength—a determination to remember the good that these lives brought to the world.
Mileena went to the middle school in Plainville, where students and faculty are also grappling with the loss of one of their own. Support services were made available to those who needed them, as the school district tries to help its students cope with the tragedy. This is just another part of the ripple effect that this senseless loss has caused—one that extends far beyond the immediate family.
Felisha, Mileena, and Ava are gone, but their memory will live on in the hearts of all who loved them. Miranda, devastated by their loss, said, “I will think of the family every single day.” And so will many others, as the impact of their deaths resonates throughout the community.
This is not just a story of loss, but one of love—a love that continues to endure even in the face of unimaginable tragedy. Felisha, Mileena, and Ava may no longer be with us, but the love they shared with others will remain forever.
Their lives, though tragically short, have left a lasting mark on the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know them. And for those left behind, the road to healing will be long and painful, but their memories will forever serve as a reminder of the joy and love they brought into the world.