Branford Shooting Victim's Family 'Amazed' By Community's Support

BRANFORD, CT — Ashwin Patel, 65, was shot by Matthew Lee Walker Tuesday right outside his and his family’s liquor store. It would take some time for first responders to get to him as Walker, described by police as an “active shooter,” kept on firing.

The gunshot wound Patel suffered was not life-threatening “thankfully,” as police said Wednesday. He’d eventually be transported to Yale New Haven Hospital by the Branford Fire Department. And there he remains as of Friday in stable condition.

The usual noise on Main Street near Cherry Hill Road consists of cars driving by, maybe an occasional siren from a first responder or ambulance. The most unusual, and frightening sound any of the nearby residents and businesses have ever heard was the “pop, pop, pop, pop,” as described to Patch by witnesses. Round after round; a barrage of gunshots, fired from different guns rang out just after noon Tuesday.

Walker, 38, holed up in his second floor apartment at 241 Main St., fired so many rounds that a day after the siege, police were still counting.

After a six-hour standoff, police found Walker dead of a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Patel and his family own Shoreline Wine and Spirits at 181 Main St., a few doors away from where Walker was firing. Patel was outside the shop when he was struck. Hospitalized still, he’s expected to be released, perhaps this weekend, according to his family.

Patel’s son Hershel Patel told Patch that the family’s “next steps will involve helping him rehab as we’re sure he’s going to be itching to go back to work.”

A GoFundMe was created to help Patel and his family cover the cost of medical expenses and lost wages from having to close the store as he recovers.

As of Friday morning, some 300 people have donated a total of more than $16,000.

Herschel Patel said the family is “very amazed at the support we’ve received.”

“Branford is an amazing town, and our family will forever be thankful for the generosity of all of our family, friends, and community for helping us through this horrific event,” he said.

He also noted that “first responders did an amazing job ensuring the safety of the public and our neighboring business.”

Patel had a special thank you for the business next door, Pepe’s Service Station.

“Pepe’s did a great job in caring for our father,” he said.

GoFundMe is a Patch partner.