Ivan Antonio Barias-Florimon and Stuar Jose Lopez-Reyes have been charged in connection with a deadly home invasion in Milford, Connecticut. Investigators allege the two men broke into a beach house on June 3 and shot a couple, killing 69-year-old Fredrick Werner and seriously injuring his wife. Both suspects were arrested after warrants were obtained on July 28, following a two-month manhunt. The Department of Homeland Security is also seeking to revoke their lawful permanent resident status.
| 1) | The Milford home invasion and shooting |
| 2) | Arrests after a two-month manhunt |
| 3) | The suspects’ immigration histories |
| 4) | DHS seeks to revoke green cards |
| 5) | The case moves through criminal and immigration proceedings |
The Milford home invasion and shooting
The alleged attack occurred on June 3 at a home near Walnut Beach in Milford, a coastal Connecticut community. Prosecutors and investigators say Ivan Antonio Barias-Florimon, 24, and Stuar Jose Lopez-Reyes, 25, entered the property and opened fire on the residents. Fredrick Werner died from multiple gunshot wounds, while his wife was shot in the head and remained hospitalized recovering from her injuries.
The circumstances described by investigators prompted a major law enforcement response and left the case unresolved for nearly two months. The suspects are accused of carrying out a targeted home invasion, but the supplied information does not detail a possible motive or identify the specific criminal counts filed against each man.
Arrests after a two-month manhunt
Law enforcement secured arrest warrants for both suspects on July 28. Two days later, U.S. Marshals working with Milford and New Haven police arrested Stuar Jose Lopez-Reyes. The arrest followed efforts by local and federal agencies to locate him after the shooting.
The second arrest took place in the Bronx. The U.S. Marshals New York/New Jersey Regional Fugitive Task Force announced that Ivan Antonio Barias-Florimon had been taken into custody there. The arrests ended the reported manhunt and allowed the criminal case to proceed against both defendants.
The suspects’ immigration histories
The Department of Homeland Security identified both suspects as nationals of the Dominican Republic. According to DHS, Barias-Florimon entered the United States in 2007 as the child of a lawful permanent resident.
DHS said Lopez-Reyes entered the country on a visa in November 2016. The agency also said he was arrested in 2021 on allegations involving criminal mischief and obstruction of breathing, but was ultimately convicted of disorderly conduct. He received lawful permanent resident status in October 2022.
DHS seeks to revoke green cards
DHS said it is seeking to revoke the green cards of both men following the charges in the Connecticut case. The agency described the suspects as criminal aliens, a term it uses for noncitizens accused or convicted of criminal conduct.
“Possessing a green card is a privilege, not a right. Under our nation’s laws, our government has the authority to revoke a green card if our laws are broken and abused.”
The statement reflects the administration’s position that lawful permanent resident status can be challenged when immigration or criminal laws are violated. Any immigration consequences would proceed separately from the Connecticut criminal prosecution.
The case moves through criminal and immigration proceedings
The immediate criminal matter is being handled in Connecticut, where the men face charges tied to the June 3 shooting. The arrests were made by federal marshals with assistance from local police, while DHS is pursuing the separate immigration action involving their permanent resident status.
The available information does not state whether either suspect has entered a plea, whether prosecutors will seek additional charges, or when the next court hearings will occur. The case therefore involves two parallel processes: a criminal proceeding focused on the deaths and injuries in Milford, and an immigration review focused on whether the suspects may retain their green cards.
| 1 | The home invasion occurred in Milford on June 3. |
| 2 | Fredrick Werner was killed and his wife was seriously injured. |
| 3 | Both suspects were arrested after warrants were issued on July 28. |
| 4 | DHS is seeking to revoke their lawful permanent resident status. |
| 5 | The criminal case and immigration proceedings are separate matters. |
Summary
Two Dominican nationals face charges in a fatal Milford home invasion that left one man dead and his wife hospitalized. Their arrests followed a coordinated search by federal and local law enforcement. DHS is separately seeking to revoke their green cards based on the allegations and each man’s immigration history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the suspects?
Ivan Antonio Barias-Florimon, 24, and Stuar Jose Lopez-Reyes, 25, are Dominican nationals charged in the Milford case.
When did the home invasion occur?
The alleged home invasion occurred on June 3 in Milford, Connecticut.
Why is DHS seeking to revoke the green cards?
DHS said the agency may revoke lawful permanent resident status when immigration or criminal laws are broken and abused. The agency is pursuing that action in connection with the charges.