Syosset, New York – A tragic incident unfolded in Syosset, New York, as a man, grief-stricken over his mother’s recent passing and his family’s decision to sell their lifelong home, committed a horrific act of violence on Sunday.
Joseph DeLucia Jr, a 59-year-old man, fatally shot three of his older siblings and a niece before taking his own life in a family annihilation case that has shocked the community and law enforcement. Family annihilations, a type of crime characterized by a male killer armed with a gun who ultimately takes his own life after murdering multiple close family members, have been a recurring issue in the United States since the 1980s.
The violent confrontation occurred just three days after the siblings had laid their late mother, 95-year-old Theresa DeLucia, to rest. The family had gathered to discuss the sale of Theresa’s home in Syosset, the place where Joseph had spent his entire life. However, the meeting took a deadly turn when Joseph grabbed a shotgun and opened fire on his relatives, resulting in the tragic loss of four lives.
The victims were identified as Joanne Kearns, 69, Frank DeLucia, 64, Tina Hammond, 64, and her daughter Victoria Hammond, 30. The aftermath of the shooting left a community reeling from the senseless violence that claimed the lives of beloved family members from different parts of the country.
Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder emphasized the importance of community members coming forward if they have concerns about someone’s mental well-being, as early intervention could potentially prevent such tragedies. Despite assurances from DeLucia Jr’s family that they would take care of him and include him in their mother’s will, the family’s plans to sell the home led to a devastating outcome.
As investigators delve into the details surrounding the case, one neighbor, Wendy Paisner, highlighted the need for emotional support for individuals going through difficult times. Police records showed that DeLucia Jr had only one prior encounter with law enforcement, and there were no prior indicators suggesting he posed a danger to himself or others.
The incident has raised questions about the understanding and prevention of family annihilations in the United States, as there is currently no centralized database to track these types of crimes. Authorities urge the community to remain vigilant and report any signs of distress or potential harm to prevent future tragedies.