Killingly, CT – A 65-year-old Connecticut woman has been arrested and charged with murder after allegedly shooting a man in the chest while he was watching Toy Story with a 12-year-old child, then calmly returning to bed, according to police. Authorities identified the suspect as Michelle Yeagher, who now faces multiple felony counts in connection with the late-night shooting.
The Incident: Fatal Shooting During Movie Night
The Connecticut State Police said the shooting took place late Monday night at a home on Pratt Road in the Dayville neighborhood of Killingly, a town roughly 50 miles east of Hartford.
According to investigators, Andrew Michael Olson, 39, was watching the Pixar film “Toy Story” with a 12-year-old child when Yeagher allegedly entered the entertainment room and opened fire, striking Olson once in the chest.
“The child told investigators that the two had been watching the film when Yeagher entered the room and fired,” prosecutors stated in charging documents.
Emergency responders arrived around 9:31 p.m. and found Olson unresponsive with a gunshot wound to the chest. He was rushed to Day Kimball Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, officials confirmed.
Investigation and Evidence Collected
When troopers located Yeagher inside the residence, she was reportedly lying in bed and appeared to be highly intoxicated. Investigators said she could not initially recall where she had placed the firearm.
During questioning, Yeagher allegedly attempted to justify the shooting, claiming self-defense.
“He tried to kill me,” she told police. “I shot him. He came after me, I shot him.”
She claimed that she was in her bedroom when Olson allegedly approached her aggressively, prompting her to retrieve her firearm from a locked safe. However, investigators later said her account did not match the statements provided by the 12-year-old witness.
Police said Yeagher was handcuffed and removed from the home on a stretcher around 11:30 p.m., following her arrest.
The following morning, during a second interview, Yeagher reportedly changed her story. She admitted she had been drinking heavily that evening after a stressful day and did not remember firing the gun until she saw Olson on the ground in distress.
Forensic investigators recovered the weapon used in the shooting inside the home and collected additional evidence to support the prosecution’s case.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
Yeagher has been charged with:
- Murder
- Carrying a firearm while under the influence
- Risk of injury to a child
- Reckless endangerment in the first degree
Prosecutors said the presence of a child during the fatal shooting intensified the seriousness of the charges. Under Connecticut law, the risk of injury to a minor carries additional penalties when violence occurs in the child’s presence.
Yeagher is currently detained at the Connecticut Department of Correction on a $1 million bond, according to jail records. She is scheduled to appear in court on December 11, where she will face a formal arraignment on the murder charge.
Statements and Reactions from Authorities
Law enforcement officials have described the incident as deeply disturbing, emphasizing the danger of combining firearms and alcohol.
State police said Yeagher appeared heavily intoxicated at the time of the shooting and showed inconsistent recollection of events. Authorities have also confirmed that the 12-year-old child present during the shooting was not physically harmed and is currently receiving counseling and support services.
A spokesperson for the Cuyahoga County Prosecutor’s Office described the case as a “tragic and preventable act of violence”, underscoring the risks of substance use and firearm access in domestic environments.
Background Context: Guns and Domestic Violence in Connecticut
Connecticut has some of the nation’s strictest gun control laws, including requirements for firearm storage and background checks. However, law enforcement experts note that domestic shootings involving alcohol remain a persistent problem.
According to the Connecticut Coalition Against Domestic Violence, roughly one in four homicides in the state are linked to domestic or interpersonal disputes involving intoxication or emotional distress.
This case, authorities say, highlights the dangerous mix of alcohol, firearms, and volatile relationships, even among older adults.
Ongoing Developments and Next Steps
The Connecticut State Police are continuing to investigate the events leading up to Olson’s death, including whether previous disputes occurred between Yeagher and the victim. The 12-year-old witness has been a key source of information for investigators.
Authorities have not released the identity of the child due to privacy protections. Yeagher’s defense attorney has not yet issued a public statement.
If convicted, Yeagher faces a potential life sentence for murder and additional penalties for child endangerment and firearm violations.
Conclusion
The fatal shooting of Andrew Michael Olson has left the Killingly community in shock, with many questioning how a night meant for family entertainment turned into a tragic act of violence. As the legal process unfolds, authorities are emphasizing the importance of responsible gun ownership and mental health support to prevent similar tragedies.
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