On a Sunday in Long Island, New York, a murder-suicide took place, resulting in the death of five people in a family home. The gunman, Joseph DeLucia Jr., a 59-year-old mechanic, was motivated by a fear of being cut out of his family’s will. DeLucia legally obtained a shotgun and carried out the crime after realizing he might lose the home he had lived in his entire life. Det. Capt. Steve Fitzpatrick stated that DeLucia had past psychological issues and panicked at the prospect of being displaced without a place to go.
The incident occurred just three days after DeLucia’s mother passed away, and her children and niece had gathered at the home to sort out her will. DeLucia remained behind while the others met with a realtor, feeling the pressure of being excluded from the will and having to leave his long-time residence. Nassau County police responded to shots fired at the home on Wyoming Court in Syosset and found the victims, JoAnne Kearns, Frank DeLucia, Tina Hammond, and her daughter, Victoria Hammond, shot multiple times in the den, with DeLucia found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound in the front yard.
Police urge residents to report any suspicions about their neighbors, as DeLucia’s neighbors had previously heard him saying, “If you hear gunshots, don’t bother calling the police.” This information was concerning to law enforcement officials, as they could have potentially responded sooner to the situation. While DeLucia legally purchased the shotgun used in the crime, it may have been illegal for him to possess it if his concerning behavior had been reported. Authorities note that they only had one prior call to DeLucia’s house for a welfare check in 2022, but his behavior at the time did not prompt any further action.
The tragedy deeply affected the community, with Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder describing it as one of the most horrific scenes he had ever seen. The victims had traveled from out of state for their mother’s funeral and to discuss selling the family home, as one of the siblings had requested the meeting while relatives were in town from Florida. Realtor Mary Macaluso, who was supposed to meet with the family to discuss selling the home, shared details with local media outlets. The situation highlights the importance of community members speaking up about concerning behavior to potentially prevent such tragedies in the future.
Overall, the murder-suicide in Long Island, New York, was a devastating event fueled by familial tensions and financial worries. Joseph DeLucia Jr.’s fear of being cut out of his family’s will led to the tragic deaths of five individuals, including his siblings and niece, before taking his own life. The incident underscores the importance of community members reporting suspicious behavior and authorities responding promptly to potential red flags, possibly preventing such horrific events from occurring. The aftermath of the tragedy left a profound impact on the community and highlighted the need for open communication and support among families facing difficult situations.
