In the early morning hours of October 5, 2025, a burst of gunfire shattered the peace in the parking lot of the Two Thirteen Bar & Grill in West Haven, Connecticut. When the chaos subsided, two individuals were found to have been shot. One of these victims was Jose Miguel Avila, a 41-year-old Hispanic/Latino male from the neighboring city of New Haven. Avila had sustained three gunshot wounds and was rushed to Yale New Haven Hospital for treatment.
Despite the efforts of medical staff, he ultimately succumbed to his injuries. The second victim, who has not been publicly identified, was also hospitalized but was listed in stable condition.
The West Haven Police Department quickly descended upon the scene on Saw Mill Road, cordoning off the area to collect evidence, including shell casings, and to search for any surveillance footage that might shed light on the events that transpired. Investigators learned that one of the victims had already been transported from the scene before their arrival. In the days following the shooting, authorities publicly identified Jose Miguel Avila and appealed to the community for assistance, asking anyone with information or video evidence to come forward. As of the latest reports, no arrests have been made in connection with the shooting, and police have not named any suspects. The investigation remains active as detectives continue to piece together the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting.
Those who knew Jose Miguel Avila remember him as a kind and humble man with a deep love for his family. A father to a daughter and two sons, family was described as everything to him. His obituary painted a picture of a loving son, brother, and fiancé who treated everyone with respect and kindness. At the time of his death, Avila was employed by a property investment company and had previously worked for the New Haven public works department. He found joy in simple pleasures like fishing and traveling, but he was happiest when surrounded by the love and laughter of his family and friends. His loved ones are left to mourn a man they describe as generous and good-hearted, whose life was tragically cut short.
