On a tragic Wednesday afternoon in Milford, Connecticut, the life of 35-year-old Justin Spray, a Caucasian male, was cut short. On May 25, 2022, police responded to calls of a fight and possible gunfire at a residence on Edgefield Avenue shortly before 1 p.m.. Upon arrival, officers discovered Justin Spray in the side yard with a gunshot wound to his upper body.
He was immediately transported to Yale-New Haven Hospital, but tragically succumbed to his injuries.
Witnesses at the scene had detained the alleged gunman until law enforcement arrived. The suspect was identified as 29-year-old Matthew Miner, also of Milford, who resided in the same multi-unit boarding house as Spray. According to a witness, Miner and Spray had been "rough-housing" outside the home about 20 minutes before the fatal incident. The situation escalated when Miner, who was reportedly "very intoxicated," accused Spray of losing his wallet after Spray had tackled him earlier. When Spray threw down some tools he was holding, Miner allegedly pulled out a handgun and pistol-whipped him. A witness stated that Miner's finger was on the trigger as he struck Spray, and the gun discharged. This account was reportedly consistent with surveillance video from the home.
Following the shooting, Miner was taken into custody and subsequently charged with murder, criminal possession of a firearm, carrying a pistol without a permit, and altering or removing the identification marks on a firearm. He was held on a $1 million bond. After being informed of Spray's death, Miner allegedly told detectives, "I know I didn't mean to, I know it doesn't make a difference. It doesn't change anything… I never intended to do that to him.".
Justin Spray was remembered by family and friends as a "sweet, kind, and gentle person" with a "unique sense of humor.". A graduate of Jonathan Law High School and Gateway Community College, he was described as a "computer whiz" who often provided IT support to those who knew him. His interests included karate, cooking, a diversity of music, playing the piano and organ, and building computers. His family's obituary tragically stated he was "taken from his loved ones... by a mentally ill person with a gun at his home.".
