A state police vehicle from the Central District Major Crime squad on Westfield Avenue in Ansonia.
ANSONIA — Police said a man killed his former wife and then took his own life at a residence on Westfield Avenue on Thursday morning.
Police said Yanis Tavarez, 47, of Bridgeport, shot his ex-wife, Miguelina Lebron, 45, of Ansonia, several times in the torso, and then shot himself in the head.
Police responded to a call from inside the home shortly after 5 a.m. reporting a serious assault. Police arrived to find both Tavarez and Lebron suffering from gunshot wounds.
Tavarez was pronounced dead at the scene. Lebron was transferred to the hospital, where she later succumbed to her injuries.
The couple was divorced. Lebron lived at 180 Westfield Ave. with their three teenage children, two of whom were home at the time. One of the teens called 911 for help.
The teenagers were not physically harmed.
Police said there were signs of forced entry. Neighbors interviewed by The Valley Indy said they heard the sound of glass shattering, and then five or six gunshots.
There had been no previous calls from the residence since Lebron moved in with her children in March 2024, police said. They said there were no court orders between Lebron and Tavarez, or previous signs of violence.
Ansonia Police Chief Wayne Williams described the incident as domestic violence and encouraged victims to seek help.
“Connecticut alone has lost over 300 lives in the last two decades to domestic violence,” Williams said. “If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please know that help is available. You don’t have to face these situations alone. We encourage anyone in need of assistance to reach out to their local police department, domestic violence agencies across Connecticut, Connecticut Safe Connect, or the National Domestic Violence Hotline.”
There is help available for people in abusive relationships. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800 – 799‑7233. People can also text BEGIN to 88788.
CT Safe Connect offers text chat and phone call services. They can help you identify abusive situations when you’re unsure and direct you to agencies that are able to help.
In the Valley, BHCare operates The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services. The UCDVS 24/7 Crisis Hotline numbers are (203) 736‑9944 and (203) 789‑8104. Toll-free 1 – 888 – 774‑2900
To schedule an appointment or reach office staff, please call (203) 780‑2037 (Monday – Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm).
Westfield Avenue used to connect Wakelee Avenue to Division Street opposite the Route 8 north exit 18 off ramp. However, Westfield Avenue was split in two when the Division Street side of the road was turned into a dead-end when the state added an entrance ramp to Route 8 north.
The audio from Thursday’s press conference is embedded below.
A Google Map of the area.
