On Sunday, August 25, 2024, a disturbing incident unfolded at a home in Syosset, Long Island, New York, where five individuals were discovered dead. The police characterized the incident as an apparent murder-suicide. The family had convened to discuss the sale of their house following the recent passing of their 95-year-old family member, Theresa Martha DeLucia.
At around midday, Nassau County police responded to the scene after receiving reports of gunshots from neighbors. Officers first discovered a male body on the front lawn, the result of a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Four more bodies were found inside the house, all dead from gunshot injuries.
The deceased inside the home have been identified as siblings Joanne Kearns, 69; Frank DeLucia, 64; Tina Hammond, 64; and her daughter, Victoria Hammond, 30. The identification was provided by the local authorities.
According to Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, the incident is currently being investigated as a murder-suicide. The commissioner confirmed that the body found on the front lawn had succumbed to a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
The suspected shooter is believed to be Joseph DeLucia Jr., 59, the adult son of the deceased matriarch Theresa. He had resided in the house with his mother for the majority of his life. The family had gathered to finalize the sale of the home, valued at around $900,000. According to neighbors, Joseph, an auto mechanic, was deeply affected by his mother’s death and the impending sale of the house. Media sources suggest that Joseph believed he was being excluded from the will and would be left without a home after the sale. Detective Stephen Fitzpatrick confirmed with surviving family members that Joseph’s belief was unfounded.
Real estate agent Mary Macaluso was scheduled to meet with the family on the day of the tragic incident to discuss the sale of the property. The meeting was arranged by one of the siblings, who was in town from Florida for the funeral. However, by the time Macaluso arrived, the street had already been cordoned off by the authorities.
Local resident Wendy Paisner, whose home is opposite the crime scene, reported that Joseph, the suspected gunman, had been battling mental health problems. His mother’s death, especially in light of the impending house sale, seemed to trigger his distress.
Although her Ring camera’s view was obstructed by a tree, Paisner was able to capture the audio of Joseph’s final moments. The sounds of his wailing, crying, and the gunshot were recorded. She has since handed this evidence over to the police.
Paisner had visited the house the day before to check on Joseph and his brother, who was visiting from out of town. She noted that Joseph seemed visibly upset, and his apparent distress may have played a part in his subsequent actions.
The investigation by the Nassau County Police Department is ongoing. As they continue to unravel the circumstances surrounding the fatal shootings, they are asking anyone with information related to the case to come forward.
