Two Men Arrested After Strangulation During Washington CT Home Invasion

It’s hard to imagine something worse than being attacked in your own home — especially when one of the people responsible is family.

That’s what happened last weekend in the quiet town of Washington, Connecticut. According to state police, two men — Huckleberry Durkin and Austin Dutcher, both 26 — forced their way into a home on New Milford Turnpike and assaulted the man inside. When troopers arrived, the victim was already injured, his face swollen and bruised.

But what really shook me was the detail he shared next: one of the men allegedly strangled him with a dog leash.

Not only is that violent, it’s deeply personal. This wasn’t some random break-in. The victim told police that one of the attackers was his own relative — and the other, that relative’s friend.

In a town where serious crimes like this are rare, this case hit hard. And if you’re reading this from anywhere in Connecticut, it’s a reminder: sometimes, danger doesn’t come from strangers.

What Happened That Afternoon?

If you’re like me, you probably assume something like this wouldn’t happen in a place like Washington, CT. But around 2 p.m. on a Saturday, police got a call that changed everything.

According to WTNH, troopers arrived at a home on New Milford Turnpike and found the victim visibly shaken — and hurt. His face had been beaten. He told police two men broke in and assaulted him.

This wasn’t a burglary gone wrong. It was an intentional, targeted home invasion. And it played out in broad daylight.

When I think about it, the timing makes it even more disturbing. This wasn’t the middle of the night — this was the kind of quiet afternoon you think is safe. But clearly, it wasn’t.

The Brutal Assault: Strangled with a Dog Leash

The part that’s stuck with me most is how the victim described the attack. He didn’t just get punched or pushed around. He said he was strangled with a dog leash.

Let that sink in.

This wasn’t just violent — it was calculated. One man pinned him down while the other wrapped the leash around his neck. There’s a difference between a fight and something this deliberate.

If you’ve ever had a dog leash in your hand, you know how strong and rough they can be. Now imagine that around your throat, in your own home, with no warning.

It wasn’t just a beating — it was fear, betrayal, and helplessness all at once. And the victim told police he didn’t even fight back. He curled up, trying to protect himself, hoping it would end.

Who Were These Guys — And Why Did They Do It?

This is where things get even more complicated. The victim told police he knew both suspects. One was his relative. The other? That relative’s friend.

According to CT Insider, the whole thing may have started from a previous verbal altercation — a heated argument that somehow escalated into this violent home invasion.

If you’ve ever had family drama or a falling-out with someone close, you know how messy it can get. But this? This crossed every line.

That’s why this case doesn’t feel like just another crime report. It’s personal. It’s layered. And it forces you to ask: how far is too far when personal issues explode?

Georgia deputies recently arrested two men in a Dawson County burglary where the suspects targeted a home they were familiar with — once again proving that prevention starts with who you let into your circle.

The Charges: A Long List of Felonies

After the assault, state police tracked down and arrested both suspects — Huckleberry Durkin and Austin Dutcher. And they didn’t go easy on the charges.

Here’s what the men are facing:

• Home invasion
• First-degree burglary
• Second-degree burglary
• First-degree strangulation/suffocation
• Second-degree threatening

Each of them was released on a $250,000 bond, and they’ve already appeared in court.

You know what that tells me? The justice system is treating this as a serious, violent offense — not a simple dispute or scuffle. These aren’t minor charges. These are life-changing.

In a similar emotionally charged case, Toccoa men were arrested after a violent home invasion in Georgia — again showing how unresolved personal issues can escalate into something far more dangerous.

Court Appearances and What Happens Next

According to The Hartford Courant, both men made their first appearance in Torrington Superior Court on Monday.

Now, the legal process kicks in. The court will look at evidence, set hearing dates, and determine how this plays out — whether it ends in a plea deal or trial.

If you’ve ever followed a criminal case before, you know how long and unpredictable it can be. But one thing’s clear: the charges are serious enough that neither of these men is walking away without consequences.

What I find important here is how this reminds us — even if the violence ends quickly, the legal and emotional aftermath can drag on for months or even years.

What’s your take on this case? Have you ever seen a personal conflict turn dangerously real? Share your thoughts in the comments — I’m listening.

What the Victim Went Through Physically?

Let’s talk about the man at the center of all this — the victim.

When troopers reached him, his face was already bruised and swollen. According to reports, he’d been kicked in the face, strangled with a leash, and likely felt trapped inside his own home.

He was taken to the hospital for his injuries, but the details on his long-term condition haven’t been made public. And honestly, even if the physical injuries heal — what about the mental ones?

Think about that for a second. Your home is where you’re supposed to feel safe. Once that’s taken away, it changes how you live.

You start checking doors twice. You look over your shoulder. You trust a little less — especially if someone you once called “family” was the one who hurt you.

In fact, several community WhatsApp channels had already started buzzing with updates minutes after the incident — it’s become one of the fastest ways locals stay alert when safety’s on the line.

How Common Are Home Invasions in Connecticut?

You might be wondering — is this just one of those rare, shocking cases? Or is this part of a bigger pattern?

According to recent data, violent home invasions like this aren’t common in Washington, a small, relatively quiet town. But across Connecticut, there has been a slow uptick in serious home-related crimes since 2023 — especially ones involving personal disputes or prior connections.

What stands out here is the personal angle. This wasn’t a robbery by strangers — it was planned and targeted. And when family dynamics get tangled with violence, it can be much harder to see it coming.

If you live in a similar small-town setting, don’t ignore that risk just because “this stuff doesn’t happen here.” Because clearly… it does.

Just last month, a Youngstown case involving a suspect wanted in a similar violent home invasion showed how these crimes are spreading far beyond big cities — and becoming disturbingly familiar.

What You Can Learn From This — Home Safety Tips That Actually Matter

I know stories like this are scary. But fear doesn’t protect you — preparation does.

So here’s what I’d do if I were in your shoes:

• Upgrade your locks. Not just deadbolts — think smart locks, secondary reinforcement.
• Install at least one outdoor security cam. Preferably with live alerts.
• Set boundaries, even with family. If a relationship is toxic or aggressive, take it seriously. Don’t assume blood means safety.
• Keep a code word. For emergencies — something you can text a friend or neighbor when something feels wrong.

Bottom line? Don’t wait for something awful to happen before you lock down your space.

Final Thoughts

Stories like this hit differently because they’re not just about crime — they’re about betrayal, broken trust, and what it means to feel safe.

When violence comes from someone you know, it doesn’t just hurt your body — it shakes the foundation of your everyday life. You start to question who you can really count on.

So if you take anything away from this, let it be this: always trust your instincts, protect your space, and never assume that “family” means “safe.”

Want to stay updated on real cases like this? Check out more true crime and home invasion stories on our website Build Like New.

Disclaimer: All information in this article is based on publicly available police reports and news sources as of the time of publication. The individuals named are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Legal outcomes and case details may change as the investigation continues.