Homeless Encampment Murder Suspect Pleads Not Guilty to Some Charges; Awaiting Plea on Murder Counts

MILFORD — The man accused of killing another man and setting fire to his shelter at a homeless encampment behind Lowe's last summer has pleaded not guilty to several charges, according to court records.

Matthew Kealey, 54, entered not guilty pleas to charges of arson in the first degree, home invasion, strangulation in the first degree, and assault on the elderly in the first degree.

Pleas have not yet been entered on the three most serious charges: murder, murder in the commission of arson, and murder in the commission of a felony. All three are Class A felonies.

Kealey remains held on $2 million bond and has not been released from custody. He is scheduled to appear in Milford Superior Court on May 7.

Milford Police arrested Kealey on March 17 in connection with the August 15, 2025 death at a homeless encampment located behind Lowe's at 311 Old Gate Lane.

Officers responding to a fire at the encampment that day found a male victim deceased inside one of the structures where he had been living. Investigators determined the fire was arson, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner ruled the death a homicide.

Police said the victim was elderly and was strangled before the fire was set.

An arrest warrant was approved and Kealey was taken into custody seven months later.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.