Cops: Teen dressed as burglar shot, killed by father

NEW FAIRFIELD, Conn. (WTNH) -- There was tragedy in New Fairfield after a father, who thought he was shooting a burglar, killed his own son.

"This is so upsetting, so many different levels, a time like this, everyone is devastated for so many different reasons," said First Selectman John Hodge.

Police say 15-year-old Tyler Giuliano was the burglar.

State police say around 1 a.m. a woman called her brother, Tyler's father Jeffrey, to say there was someone breaking into her home. Jeffrey grabbed his gun, went outside, and saw a man dressed in black with a black ski mask. The suspect lunged, and Jeffrey opened fire, killing him. Later learning that it was his own son.

"They've released the name of the person, of the child. So we now know the father shot his son. That's much to his horror. He had no idea. I'm sure at the time," said Hodge.

"Which clearly will be the most shocking element to all of this," said News 8's Jamie Muro.

"Absolutely," Hodge replied. "We have someone coming over to help their neighbor, you find out later on it was your son that was the alleged intruder."

Word spread quickly to Tyler's high school and around town. The only thing stronger than disbelief is sorrow.

"We are going to take care of the families, we locked down the street, we want them to have their time, to go through what they need to through," said Hodge.

The investigation is ongoing. State Police are stressing that this was an isolated incident and it is not connected to any earlier reported burglaries.

Right now police say the shooting was self-defense.

Grief counselors will be on hand at New Fairfield High School Friday to help students and staff talk about and deal with the shooting.