A tragic incident occurred in Syosset, New York, where Joseph DeLucia, Jr. shot and killed four of his family members before taking his own life. The family had gathered at his late mother’s home just three days after her funeral to discuss the planned sale of the property, where DeLucia had lived his entire life. However, instead of discussing the matter, DeLucia opened fire with a shotgun he had obtained, killing his three siblings and a niece. He then went out to the front lawn and shouted about what he had done before turning the gun on himself. The victims included Joanne Kearns, Frank DeLucia, Tina Hammond, and her daughter Victoria Hammond.
Reports from surviving family members indicated that they had assured DeLucia he would be taken care of, and he wasn’t being cut out of the will, but he had to move out of the house. The family had gathered for a meeting with a real estate agent to discuss the sale of the property. Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder mentioned that there were concerns in the community about DeLucia’s mental state following his mother’s death, and there were worries that he might harm himself or others. Using red flag laws, police could potentially have intervened and prevented him from obtaining a firearm if they had known about his mental health issues earlier.
The police stated that they were looking into reports about DeLucia’s past mental health issues, although the only previous visit to the residence was for a wellness check. DeLucia had no history of violence, and his only prior arrest was for driving under the influence in 1983. He worked as a local auto mechanic and was also a hoarder, with the house filled with tools and car repair items. While law enforcement officials mentioned that they couldn’t conclusively say the incident could have been prevented, there is a possibility that early intervention in regards to mental health issues might have made a difference.
Following the tragedy, authorities emphasized the importance of community members being vigilant and reporting concerns about individuals who may be in distress. They encouraged people to be proactive in reaching out for assistance and not to hesitate in seeking help if they believe someone is struggling. The police mentioned that avenues for support are available, and they urge individuals to speak up if they observe worrying behavior in others. The use of red flag laws could potentially help in preventing future incidents of this nature.
The incident in Syosset has left the community in shock as they grapple with the aftermath of the tragic shooting. The loss of multiple family members in such a violent manner has undoubtedly had a profound impact on those involved. The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and the need for early intervention in cases where individuals may be struggling. Authorities are working to piece together the events leading up to the shooting and are looking into ways to prevent similar tragedies in the future. The community has been urged to come together in support of those affected by the devastating loss.
