Home invasion turns into homicide

SHARON, Conn. (WTNH) -- Police say drugs were involved in a deadly home invasion in Sharon Monday night, and the victims were specifically targeted.

Just after 6 p.m. Monday night, two men forced their way into the house at 399 Cornwall Bridge Rd. They shot and killed 23-year-old Lucas Vitalis, or Luke as his friends called him.

The house is owned by Luke's mother Rita, who was inside the home when her son was shot dead. She called 911 for help.

State police say she was tied up, but not injured.

"She's certainly shaken up, but no life threatening injury," said Lt. J. Paul Vance.

News of the deadly home invasion sent shock waves through the Sharon community.

"Everybody feels like they were violated and it makes us on edge," said Amy Hosier.

"It's frightening, it really is," agreed Norman Arons. "Hope they catch this guy, whoever he is."

State police are now searching for two suspects, both of whom they say were armed during the home invasion.

"Both believed to be white males, one dressed in light colored trousers, black shirt and they both had facial hair," Vance said.

He says the suspect's car was spotted around Cornwall Bridge Road during the hour before the home invasion, which would have been between 5 and 6 p.m. Monday night. They are asking anyone who might have seen anything suspicious during that hour to call them at 860-824-2500.

"What's important about that is it may appear insignificant to someone who made the observation, but may be an extremely important piece of this investigative puzzle that detectives can use to move case next level," Vance said.

In the meantime, police have recovered physical and forensic evidence from the scene and they have a big team following up on "significant leads."

State police, and others who knew Luke, believe drugs may have involved in this case.

Martha Miller, an attorney who's lived in Sharon for 22 years, says she wouldn't be surprised.

"The first thing I thought was it must be drug related," she said. "I don't know these people at all, but in this area we have a drug problem so deep that almost every family is affected by it."

State police say the deadly home invasion was an isolated incident so no one else in the community is in danger.