Arrest warrant details what led up to deadly home invasion in Somers

SOMERS, Conn. (WFSB) - A man accused of forcing his way into a home in Somers and shooting another man to death faced a judge Wednesday.

State police said Joshua Freitag, 33, committed the crimes while two children were inside the home.

According to Freitag’s arrest warrant, which was released on Wednesday, the victim was identified as Mark Morgan.

In court, Freitag kept his back to Morgan’s family.

Freitag’s attorney argued for a $250,000 bond, saying this incident was personal and he’s not a threat to the public.

During the state’s response, some of Morgan’s family members had to be escorted out of the room.

“He unloaded a gun on my 34 year-old son! That was my son! That was my son,” Morgan’s mother cried out.

Freitag’s bond was set at $1.5 million despite his attorney arguing he surrendered to police and has no criminal history.

The defense said that Freitag still owns the home and was financially supporting the two kids who lived there with his estranged wife.

Protective orders were issued for the woman who was in the home and the children.

He is due back in court September 18.

What the warrant revealed

The warrant said that Freitag and Morgan had a history of conflict.

Ahead of the shooting on Tuesday morning, the warrant said Freitag and the woman exchanged text messages about Morgan being in the home on South Road. Freitag told the woman that he saw Morgan’s vehicle in the driveway; however, the woman denied Morgan was there.

State police said they responded around 4 a.m.

They said Freitag was at the front door of the home when they arrived. He complied with troopers’ commands.

A handgun, empty magazine, and holster were reportedly found near the front entrance, the warrant said.

Troopers found Morgan unresponsive inside in an upstairs bedroom. They said he appeared to have been shot multiple times.

Troopers said they found the woman and two children in the home and escorted them out. They were not hurt.

Detectives interviewed the woman. The warrant said she told them that Freitag got into the home through a broken rear sliding door, went upstairs, and shot Morgan.

She also reported that Freitag was not living at the home.

Public court records showed that the woman who lives at the home filed for divorce earlier this month.

The charges

Freitag was charged with murder, home invasion and risk of injury to a minor.

His bail was set at $1.5 million. GPS monitoring would be used if he posts it, court officials said.

His next court date is Sept. 18.