On a tragic day in Plainville, Connecticut, the life of 12-year-old Mileena Burnham-Matthews was cut short. On March 27, 2026, Mileena, her mother, and her younger sister were killed in a devastating act of violence that shook the community.
Mileena was a vibrant and energetic girl, known for her love of animals and her unique sense of style, often changing her hair to bold and colorful hues that matched her personality.
She was remembered as the family's "goofball and prankster," always ready with a joke or a playful antic. Her interests were varied; she enjoyed playing softball, snowboarding, and skateboarding. A fan of gaming, she particularly loved playing Fortnite and shared a close bond with her little sister, often making and laughing at TikTok videos together. She was the cherished daughter of Felisha Matthews and Kenneth Burnham.
The tragedy unfolded when Patrick King, the boyfriend of Mileena's mother, Felisha Matthews, fatally shot Felisha, Mileena, and Mileena's 4-year-old sister, Ava Lee Rose King. Ava was the child of Matthews and King. Following the murders, King then took his own life. As the suspect died at the scene, there were no arrests made in connection with the deaths. The incident was investigated as a murder-suicide, leaving a community to grieve the profound loss of a mother and her two young daughters.
