Conn. Man Kills Terminally Ill Wife, Then Himself

Police say John Ezzell called 911 to report his plans before the murder-suicide

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A 62-year-old Connecticut man named John Ezzell called 911 on Monday evening and informed dispatchers that his 62-year-old wife, Christine Ezzell, was suffering from terminal cancer and that he intended to take her life and then his own. Police responded to the couple's home in Plainfield, Connecticut and found both John and Christine Ezzell dead from apparent gunshot wounds.

Why it matters

This tragic incident highlights the immense emotional and psychological toll that terminal illness can have on both patients and their loved ones. While murder-suicides are extremely rare, this case underscores the need for greater mental health resources and support systems for families dealing with terminal diagnoses.

The details

According to police, John Ezzell called 911 around 7 p.m. on Monday and informed dispatchers of his plans. He also told authorities that he would leave the door to their home open for first responders. When police arrived, they found the couple deceased inside the home, with a firearm located nearby.

  • John Ezzell called 911 around 7 p.m. on Monday, February 24, 2026.
  • Police responded to the Ezzell home on Kate Downing Road in Plainfield, Connecticut.

The players

John Ezzell

A 62-year-old Connecticut man who called 911 to report that he intended to kill his terminally ill wife and then himself.

Christine Ezzell

John Ezzell's 62-year-old wife who was suffering from terminal cancer.

Plainfield Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the Ezzell home and found the couple deceased.

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What they’re saying

“John Ezzell informed 911 dispatchers that his wife, Christine, was suffering from terminal cancer and he intended to take her life and then his own.”

— John Ezzell (boston.com)

The takeaway

This tragic case underscores the immense emotional and psychological toll that terminal illness can have on families, and the critical need for greater mental health resources and support systems to help people cope with these devastating situations.