Joshua Freitag allegedly showed up at his estranged wife's Connecticut home in the early morning hours, broke through a rear sliding glass door, and shot 34-year-old Mark Morgan to death after discovering the victim's car in the driveway, according to authorities.
Background
Freitag, 33, and his wife had been going through divorce proceedings. Civil court documents reveal Freitag was named in a divorce filing just five days before the alleged shooting attack on Monday at the South Road residence in Somers.
According to an arrest warrant obtained by ABC affiliate WTNH, the wife told police that Freitag did not like her being "friendly" with Morgan—a person he allegedly knew and disliked. She said she initially lied to Freitag about Morgan staying over before he informed her that he saw Morgan's car in her driveway.
The woman told investigators that after texting with Freitag, she went to sleep on the couch while Morgan slept upstairs. The couple shares two juvenile children who were home during the incident.
The wife explained to police that Freitag had not been living in the home and did not have a key; she changed the front door passcode when he moved out. However, Freitag's lawyers have argued that since he owns the residence, he cannot be charged with breaking into his own home after being locked out.
Police say Freitag and Morgan had an alleged history of disliking each other, and Freitag questioned his wife about Morgan staying with her earlier in the day before the shooting.
The Investigation
Connecticut State Police responded to South Road in Somers for a disturbance involving shots fired. "Upon arrival on scene, troopers were met outside of the residence by Joshua Freitag, who was detained without incident," according to a CSP press release.
The wife told police that after hearing glass breaking, she saw Freitag entering through her smashed rear sliding door. He then went upstairs to the bedroom where Morgan was staying and shot him multiple times.
"Personnel responded...for a disturbance involving shots fired," the state police press release states. "Lifesaving measures were taken on scene; however, the victim was pronounced deceased."
Freitag is being held on a $1.5 million bond on charges of murder, home invasion and risk of injury to a child.
Key Takeaways
- Joshua Freitag allegedly broke through his estranged wife's rear sliding glass door at 4 A.M. after seeing Mark Morgan's car in the driveway
- The shooting occurred just five days after divorce papers were filed; Freitag owns the Somers property but had been locked out
- Two juvenile children were inside the home when Freitag allegedly entered and shot Morgan
- Defense attorneys argue Freitag cannot be charged with home invasion because he co-owns the residence
What's Next
Freitag is scheduled to appear in court on September 18. He remains held on $1.5 million bond as he faces charges of murder, home invasion and risk of injury to a child.