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RFK Jr.’s Whale Beheading Story Resurfaces Amid Ben Affleck Dating Rumors

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RFK Jr.’s Whale Beheading Story Resurfaces Amid Ben Affleck Dating Rumors

An unusual story involving Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and a beached whale has resurfaced, sparked by unsubstantiated rumors linking his daughter, Kick Kennedy, to actor Ben Affleck.

The tale, which originally appeared in a 2012 Town & Country interview with Kick, has gained renewed attention amidst recent political controversies surrounding the Kennedy scion.

In the interview, Kick Kennedy, now 36, recounted a vivid childhood memory of her father’s unconventional approach to marine biology.

According to her account, upon hearing of a dead whale washed up on Squaw Island in Massachusetts, the elder Kennedy, known for his interest in animal skulls and bones, rushed to the scene armed with a chainsaw.

Kick described how her father, then in his late 50s, decapitated the whale and secured its head to their family minivan with a bungee cord. The family then embarked on a five-hour journey to Mount Kisco, New York, with the macabre cargo in tow.

“Every time we accelerated on the highway, whale juice would pour into the windows of the car, and it was the rankest thing on the planet,” Kick recalled in the interview.

She added, “We all had plastic bags over our heads with mouth holes cut out, and people on the highway were giving us the finger, but that was just normal day-to-day stuff for us.”

This resurfaced story follows closely on the heels of another unusual animal-related incident involving Robert F. Kennedy Jr. On August 4, he admitted to dumping a dead bear cub in New York’s Central Park in 2014, staging it as a bicycle accident.

Kennedy explained that he had found the cub hit by a car during a falconing trip and, unable to take it home immediately, chose to dispose of it in the park.

The renewed interest in these stories coincides with significant political developments in Kennedy’s career. Recently, he abandoned his independent presidential bid and endorsed Republican nominee Donald Trump for the 2024 election, a move that drew sharp criticism from his own family.

Five of Kennedy’s siblings released a statement calling his endorsement of Trump “a betrayal of the values that our father and our family hold most dear.”

The dating rumors connecting Kick Kennedy to Ben Affleck, which prompted the resurfacing of the whale story, remain unsubstantiated.

PEOPLE magazine reported conflicting accounts, with one source claiming the two are “hanging out,” while another insisted, “I don’t think they even know each other. There’s definitely nothing going on.”

Interestingly, in the same 2012 interview where Kick shared the whale incident, she joked that her parents would only turn their backs on her if she were to become a Republican. This comment takes on new significance in light of her father’s recent political shift and endorsement of Trump.

As these stories circulate, they highlight the complex and often controversial nature of the Kennedy family’s public life, blending elements of political discourse, environmental activism, and celebrity culture in unexpected ways.

Credit: People.com

Gaza’s Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital Empties as Israeli Forces Approach

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Gaza’s Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital Empties as Israeli Forces Approach

The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, one of Gaza’s few remaining functional medical facilities, has been rapidly emptying as Israeli forces advance toward the area, officials reported on Monday.

While the Israeli military has not explicitly ordered the hospital’s evacuation, patients and civilians sheltering there are fleeing due to fears of imminent fighting or potential military raids.

Located in Deir al-Balah, the hospital serves as the primary medical center for central Gaza. The exodus comes as Israel has issued evacuation orders for nearby areas, signaling a possible ground operation in a town that has largely been spared from direct conflict throughout the 10-month war.

The evacuation of Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital unfolds against a backdrop of intensifying military activity across Gaza. On Monday, Israeli strikes in Gaza City and Khan Younis resulted in at least 19 fatalities, according to local officials. Concurrently, fighting between Israel and Hezbollah resumed along the Lebanon border.

Throughout the conflict, Israeli forces have conducted operations in several Gaza hospitals, accusing Hamas of using medical facilities for military purposes – allegations consistently denied by Palestinian health officials.

The scope of Israeli evacuation orders now encompasses approximately 84% of Gaza’s territory, as reported by the United Nations. An estimated 90% of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced, many multiple times.

These orders have effectively shrunk the humanitarian zone initially declared by Israel at the war’s outset, while concentrating more Palestinians within its reduced boundaries.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) reported that an explosion about 250 meters from the hospital on Sunday sparked panic, accelerating the exodus. The organization stated on social media platform X, “As a result, MSF is considering whether to suspend wound care for the time being, while trying to maintain life-saving treatment.”

Before the recent evacuation orders, which apply to residential areas approximately one kilometer away, the hospital was treating over 600 patients. Now, only about 100 patients remain, including seven in intensive care and eight in the pediatric ward.

The Israeli military stated it was conducting operations against Hamas in Deir al-Balah, aiming to dismantle remaining infrastructure. They emphasized that evacuation orders were issued to protect civilians and did not include hospitals or medical facilities. The military also claimed to have informed Palestinian health officials that evacuating these facilities was unnecessary.

As the situation unfolds, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to worsen. Only 16 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals are partially functioning, according to the World Health Organization. The difficulty in importing and distributing aid has led to widespread hunger and disease outbreaks, further straining the already overwhelmed health sector.

The ongoing conflict, which began on October 7 with a Hamas-led attack on Israeli communities, has resulted in over 40,000 Palestinian deaths, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. As international efforts to broker a lasting ceasefire continue, the plight of Gaza’s civilians and the fate of its remaining medical facilities remain at the forefront of humanitarian concerns.

Mariah Carey Mourns Loss of Mother and Sister Who Died on Same Day

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Mariah Carey Mourns Loss of Mother and Sister Who Died on Same Day

Mariah Carey, the renowned Grammy-winning singer, announced on Monday the deaths of both her mother, Patricia, and her sister, Alison, which occurred on the same day. The tragic news has left the singer heartbroken and seeking privacy during this difficult time.

Carey, her daughter and her late mom

“My heart is broken that I’ve lost my mother this past weekend. Sadly, in a tragic turn of events, my sister lost her life on the same day,” Carey said in a statement. She expressed gratitude for being able to spend the last week with her mother before her passing and thanked everyone for their love and support.

Alison Carey, 63, who had been largely estranged from the singer, reportedly died from complications with her organ function while in hospice care, according to the Times Union.

Patricia Carey, a Juilliard-trained opera singer, was a significant influence on Mariah’s musical career from a young age. In her 2020 memoir, “The Meaning of Mariah Carey,” the singer wrote, “I would sing little tunes around the house, to my mother’s delight. And she always encouraged me.”

Carey and her late sister

Mariah’s relationship with her mother and sister was complex, as detailed in her memoir. She described her connection with her mother as “a prickly rope of pride, pain, shame, gratitude, jealousy, admiration and disappointment. A complicated love tethers my heart to my mother’s.”

Despite the challenges in their relationship, Mariah and Patricia maintained contact over the years. They even recorded a duet of “O Come All Ye Faithful/Hallelujah Chorus” for Mariah’s second Christmas album in 2010.

Patricia was previously married to Alfred Roy Carey, Mariah’s father, who passed away in 2002 at age 72. The couple divorced when Mariah was three years old, after which she primarily lived with her mother in Suffolk County on Long Island.

As the music industry and fans alike offer their condolences, Mariah Carey has requested respect for her privacy during this “impossible time.” The simultaneous loss of her mother and sister marks a profound moment of grief for the singer, whose personal life has often been as scrutinized as her celebrated musical career.

Pro Wrestling Icon Sid Eudy, Known as Sid Vicious, Dies at 63

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Pro Wrestling Icon Sid Eudy, Known as Sid Vicious, Dies at 63

Sid Eudy, a towering figure in professional wrestling known to fans as Sid Vicious and Sycho Sid, has died at the age of 63, the Crittenden County, Arkansas, coroner confirmed on Monday. Eudy, who resided in Marion, a suburb west of Memphis, Tennessee, succumbed after a years-long battle with cancer.

The news of Eudy’s passing was first shared by his son, Gunnar, in a Facebook post. “He was a man of strength, kindness, and love, and his presence will be greatly missed,” Gunnar wrote, confirming that his father had been fighting cancer for several years.

Eudy’s imposing 6-foot-9-inch frame and intense presence made him a dominant force in professional wrestling during the 1990s, a period of mainstream resurgence for the sport. His career was marked by multiple world championship reigns across major wrestling promotions.

According to his IMDb biography, Eudy captured the WWF (now WWE) championship twice, the WCW world heavyweight championship twice, and the USWA unified world heavyweight championship twice. He headlined several high-profile pay-per-view events, including WWF’s WrestleMania VIII in 1992 and WrestleMania 13 in 1997, as well as WCW’s Starrcade in 2000.

WWE, in its obituary, described Eudy as “one of the most brutal Superstars to ever terrorize WWE,” noting his intense rivalries with wrestling legends such as Shawn Michaels, Hulk Hogan, and Bret “Hit Man” Hart. Eudy began his ascent in WCW in 1989 before making a significant impact in WWE by 1991.

His career reached its zenith in 1996 and 1997 when he claimed the WWE championship, adopting the moniker “The Master and Ruler of the World.”

Fellow wrestler and Hall of Famer Booker T. Huffman paid tribute to Eudy on social media, crediting him for his own career success. “Without Sid Vicious, I don’t think my brother and I would have made it to WCW,” Huffman stated, referring to his tag team partner and brother, Lash “Stevie Ray” Huffman. “His impact on this business was undeniable, and he paved the way for so many of us.”

Eudy’s legacy in professional wrestling extended beyond his physical prowess, leaving an indelible mark on the industry during one of its most popular eras. He is survived by his wife, Sabrina Estes Eudy, and two sons, Gunnar and Frank.

As the wrestling community mourns the loss of one of its iconic figures, Sid Eudy’s contributions to the sport and his impact on a generation of fans and fellow wrestlers will be remembered as a significant chapter in professional wrestling history.

European Security Services Warn Norway’s Energy Sector of Russian Threats

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European Security Services Warn Norway’s Energy Sector of Russian Threats

Security services from seven European countries convened a closed-door meeting with Norwegian energy executives and officials on Monday to discuss perceived Russian threats to critical infrastructure. The briefing, which included representatives from Europe’s largest gas supplier Equinor, underscored Norway’s crucial role in European energy security.

The meeting, held on the sidelines of the ONS energy conference, brought together national security services from Norway, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Finland, Sweden, and Iceland. It highlighted growing concerns about potential Russian sabotage and espionage targeting energy infrastructure.

Sinan Selen, vice president of Germany’s Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution, told Reuters after the meeting, “We see a developing story which addresses not only Germany or Norwegian colleagues but all of us.” He added, “This is a threat which comes from some counterparts like Russia, including not only espionage operations but also the risk of sabotage in some fields,” though he declined to discuss specific cases.

The briefing comes in the wake of recent arrests in Germany. In April, two German-Russian nationals were apprehended on suspicion of plotting sabotage attacks, including against U.S. military facilities, in what officials described as a serious attempt to undermine military support for Ukraine. The Russian Embassy in Germany has dismissed these allegations as “absurd and ridiculous.”

Norwegian intelligence agencies have also emphasized the potential threat of Russian sabotage. Beate Gangaas, head of Norway’s counterintelligence agency PST, which organized the meeting, stated bluntly, “When we are talking about sabotage today, we are talking about Russia.”

Earlier this year, Norwegian intelligence agencies warned that Russia “may find it prudent” to carry out physical or digital acts of sabotage against targets in Norway, with the petroleum sector being the prime target. Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Norway, a NATO member sharing an Arctic border with Russia, has become Europe’s largest supplier of natural gas, delivered via an extensive subsea pipeline system.

Vice Admiral Nils Andreas Stensoenes, head of the Norwegian Intelligence Service, addressed an open-door meeting earlier on Monday, stating, “Russia is in a lasting confrontation with the West, and it’s a regime that is willing to take more risk.” He added, “So, even though we haven’t seen any concrete evidence on plans to do anything in Norway, it’s wise to be prudent and increase the level of security.”

Source: Reuters

Russia Launches Massive Attack on Ukraine’s Power Grid, Killing Seven

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Russia Launches Massive Attack on Ukraine’s Power Grid, Killing Seven

Russia launched its most extensive attack on Ukraine’s power infrastructure since the start of the war, firing more than 200 missiles and drones on Monday, Ukrainian officials reported. The assault killed at least seven people and caused widespread power outages across the country.

Ukrainian Air Force Commander Mykola Oleshchuk described the attack as “the most massive” of the 2-1/2-year-long war, stating that air defenses intercepted 102 out of 127 incoming missiles and 99 out of 109 drones. The barrage targeted power facilities and other critical infrastructure nationwide, including parts of the capital, Kyiv.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal said 15 regions sustained damage, while President Volodymyr Zelenskiy noted “a lot of damage in the energy sector.” The attack left many areas without power and water supply, as Russia appeared to intensify its efforts to degrade Ukraine’s power system ahead of next winter.

U.S. President Joe Biden condemned the strikes as “outrageous” and pledged continued support for Ukraine’s energy infrastructure repairs.

In a concerning development, neighboring Poland, a NATO member, reported that a drone had likely entered its airspace. Polish military spokesperson Jacek Goryszewski told Reuters, “Most likely it was a drone and we assume so, because the trajectory of the flight and the speed indicate that it was definitely not a missile.”

The Ukrainian air force also reported that two Russian drones crossed the border into Belarus.

Among the seven confirmed fatalities were a 69-year-old man in the Dnipropetrovsk region and a farmer in Zaporizhzhia. Others were reported in Kharkiv, Zhytomyr, and Volyn regions. At least 47 people were injured, including four children, according to emergency services.

The attack targeted various types of infrastructure across Ukraine. In the Kyiv region, a hydropower plant was reportedly struck. Video footage verified by Reuters showed damage to a dam and a fire at a power plant, as well as a missile hitting a water reservoir.

Russia’s defense ministry claimed its forces used high-precision weapons to strike important energy infrastructure supporting Ukraine’s military-industrial complex, including power substations, gas compressor stations, and aircraft weapons storage sites.

The massive assault comes as Ukraine claims new ground in a cross-border incursion into Russia’s western Kursk region, while Russian forces have made steady advances in eastern Ukraine, nearing the transport hub of Pokrovsk.

In response to the attack, President Zelenskiy reiterated his call for allies to join Ukraine in shooting down missiles and drones over Ukrainian airspace. He also mentioned that Ukraine had developed a new “drone missile” capable of striking targets deep inside Russia.

As Ukraine grapples with the aftermath of this devastating attack, the international community watches closely, with the incident highlighting the ongoing challenges in protecting civilian infrastructure during wartime and the potential for further escalation in the conflict.

Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Arrested in France Over Child Porn and Drug Trafficking Probe

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Telegram Founder Pavel Durov Arrested in France Over Child Porn and Drug Trafficking Probe

Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder and CEO of messaging app Telegram, was arrested in France on Saturday as part of an investigation into crimes related to child pornography, drug trafficking, and fraudulent transactions allegedly facilitated through his platform, French prosecutors announced on Monday.

French President Emmanuel Macron, in a statement on social media platform X, made the first official confirmation of Durov’s arrest since his detention at Le Bourget airport outside Paris.

Macron emphasized that the arrest was not politically motivated, stating, “The arrest of the Telegram president on French territory took place as part of an ongoing judicial investigation. This is in no way a political decision. It is up to the judges to decide.”

Paris prosecutor Laure Beccuau provided further details, revealing that Durov’s arrest is linked to a probe launched by the office’s cybercrime unit on July 8.

The investigation centers on suspected complicity in various crimes, including operating an online platform that enables illicit transactions, the dissemination of child pornography, drug trafficking, and fraud. Additional charges include the refusal to communicate information to authorities, money laundering, and providing cryptographic services to criminals.

Durov, 39, who holds dual French and United Arab Emirates citizenship, can be held until Wednesday under French law. The UAE foreign ministry has submitted an urgent request to France “to provide him with all the necessary consular services.”

Telegram, an encrypted messaging and social media app with nearly 1 billion users, is particularly influential in Russia, Ukraine, and other former Soviet republics.

In response to the arrest, the company stated, “Telegram’s CEO Pavel Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe. It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform.”

The arrest has sparked international reactions. X owner Elon Musk criticized the move, claiming that free speech in Europe is under attack. Meanwhile, Moscow has called on French authorities to accord Durov his rights.

Durov obtained his French passport in 2021 through a rare, fast-track procedure for high-profile foreigners, exempting him from usual legal requirements such as having lived in the country for at least five years. This special naturalization process handles only 10-20 cases each year and requires high-level political support.

The Kremlin has taken a cautious stance, with spokesman Dmitry Peskov stating that Russia has yet to see any official French accusations against Durov. “We do not yet know what exactly Durov is accused of,” Peskov said at a news briefing.

As the legal proceedings unfold, the case highlights the ongoing challenges faced by governments in regulating global tech platforms and balancing user privacy with the prevention of criminal activities online. The international tech community and policymakers are closely watching the developments, recognizing the potential implications for the future of encrypted messaging apps and online content moderation.

Special Counsel Jack Smith Appeals Dismissal of Trump Classified Documents Case

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Special Counsel Jack Smith Appeals Dismissal of Trump Classified Documents Case

In a significant development in the ongoing legal saga surrounding former President Donald Trump, Special Counsel Jack Smith has filed an appeal to resurrect the dismissed case against Trump for allegedly mishandling classified government documents.

The appeal, submitted Monday to a federal appeals court in Atlanta, challenges the July ruling by Judge Aileen Cannon in Florida that dismissed the case on constitutional grounds.

Judge Cannon, a Trump appointee, had ruled that the very existence of special counsels violated the U.S. Constitution, a decision that sent shockwaves through the legal community. Smith’s appeal argues that this view “deviated” from established legal precedent and failed to adequately consider the historical context of legally-appointed special counsels.

In his filing, Smith staunchly defended the legitimacy of special counsel appointments, citing “Congress’s endorsement of that practice through appropriations and other legislation.” The appeal asserts, “The attorney general validly appointed the special counsel, who is also properly funded.”

The special counsel’s team emphasized the long-standing practice of such appointments, referencing the landmark 1974 case against former President Richard Nixon. They argued that this precedent “conclusively defeats the defendants’ challenge to the Special Counsel’s appointment, as every other court to have considered the issue has found.”

The now-dismissed case had charged Trump with several felony counts, including willful retention of national defense information. The 37-count indictment accused the former president of keeping classified files at his Mar-a-Lago estate in Florida and lying to investigators about their presence. It also alleged attempts to obstruct the investigation into his handling of these documents.

Trump, who had pleaded not guilty to all charges, was indicted alongside his aide Walt Nauta and former employee Carlos de Oliveira, both of whom had also entered not guilty pleas.

The appeal comes at a critical juncture in the legal proceedings against the former president. Trump’s legal team has until September 26 to respond to Smith’s arguments.

The case is one of four criminal trials Trump was facing, though experts note that regardless of how this appeal proceeds, it is highly unlikely that the classified documents case would go to trial before the November presidential election.

Smith’s filing also addressed the broader constitutional implications of special counsel appointments. “Congress has bestowed on the Attorney General, like the heads of many Executive Departments, broad authority to structure the agency he leads to carry out the responsibilities imposed on him by law,” the prosecutors wrote, underscoring the legal basis for such appointments.

The appeal highlights the ongoing debate over the role and authority of special counsels in the U.S. legal system. Special counsels, appointed by attorneys general to facilitate independent, impartial investigations, possess the powers of a U.S. attorney, including the ability to subpoena records and bring criminal charges. They operate with a degree of independence from day-to-day supervision by the Justice Department.

It’s worth noting that Trump is not the only high-profile figure currently under investigation by a special counsel. President Joe Biden’s son, Hunter, is being prosecuted for gun and tax crimes by a special counsel appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland.

The outcome of this appeal could have far-reaching implications, not just for the Trump case but for the broader understanding of executive power and the role of special counsels in the American legal system. It comes in the wake of a recent Supreme Court ruling that presidents are legally immune from certain actions they take while in office, adding another layer of complexity to the legal landscape surrounding former presidents.

Libya’s Eastern Government Announces Oil Production Shutdown Amid Political Tensions

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Libya’s Eastern Government Announces Oil Production Shutdown Amid Political Tensions

In a dramatic escalation of Libya’s ongoing political crisis, the government in eastern Libya announced on Monday that all oilfields under its control would be shut down, effectively halting production and exports from a significant portion of the country’s oil infrastructure. This unilateral decision highlights the deepening divide between Libya’s rival administrations and threatens to further destabilize the nation’s fragile economy.

The announcement from the eastern government, which is not internationally recognized, came without immediate confirmation from the National Oil Corporation (NOC) or the internationally backed government in Tripoli. The NOC, which oversees Libya’s oil resources, has remained silent on the matter, leaving many questions unanswered about the immediate impact of this decision.

However, Waha Oil Company, a subsidiary of NOC, has reported plans to gradually reduce output, citing “protests and pressures.” Waha, which operates in partnership with international oil giants TotalEnergies and ConocoPhillips, has a substantial production capacity of approximately 300,000 barrels per day (bpd), primarily exported through the eastern port of Es Sider.

The company manages five major oilfields in southeastern Libya, including the Waha field, which alone produces over 100,000 bpd. Other significant fields under its operation include Gallo, Al-Fargh, Al-Samah, and Al-Dhahra. The potential closure of these fields would represent a significant blow to Libya’s oil production capabilities.

Most of Libya’s oilfields are located in the eastern part of the country, which is controlled by Khalifa Haftar’s Libyan National Army (LNA). The Benghazi-based government has not specified the duration of the proposed shutdown, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the situation.

Reports from the ground paint a mixed picture. Two engineers at the Messla and Abu Attifel oilfields told Reuters that production was continuing as usual, with no orders received to halt operations. This conflicting information underscores the complex and often opaque nature of Libya’s oil industry amidst political turmoil.

The announcement comes amid a broader power struggle between Libyan factions vying for control over the country’s central bank and oil revenues. Recent tensions have emerged following efforts by certain political groups to remove Sadiq al-Kabir, the head of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL). This has led to the mobilization of rival armed factions on both sides of the dispute.

In response to these “exceptional disturbances,” the Tripoli-based CBL announced on Monday the suspension of its services both domestically and internationally. As the sole internationally recognized depository for Libyan oil revenue, the CBL plays a crucial role in the country’s economic stability.

“The Central Bank of Libya hopes that its ongoing efforts in cooperation with all relevant authorities will allow it to resume its normal activity without further delay,” the bank stated. This suspension comes just days after a brief shutdown last week following the kidnapping of a senior bank official, who was subsequently released.

Libya, once a major oil producer, has struggled to maintain stability since the 2011 NATO-backed uprising that overthrew long-time leader Muammar Gaddafi. The country split in 2014, with eastern and western factions drawing support from Russia and Turkey, respectively.

The oil industry, Libya’s economic lifeline, has frequently been caught in the crossfire of these political disputes. Earlier this month, the NOC declared force majeure at the Sharara oilfield, one of the country’s largest with a capacity of 300,000 bpd, due to protests. Before this closure, Libya’s oil production stood at approximately 1.2 million bpd.

If the eastern government’s shutdown order is fully implemented, the El Feel oilfield in southwestern Libya, with a capacity of 130,000 bpd, could become the country’s only functioning major oil production facility.

Man Kills Siblings, Niece in Murder-Suicide Over Inheritance Fears

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Man Kills Siblings, Niece in Murder-Suicide Over Inheritance Fears

A horrific family tragedy unfolded in the quiet New York suburb of Syosset on Sunday when Joseph DeLucia Jr., 59, fatally shot his three siblings and niece before taking his own life on the front lawn of his childhood home. Nassau County Police revealed Monday that the killings were motivated by DeLucia’s fears of being disinherited and displaced following his mother’s recent death.

Detective Capt. Stephen Fitzpatrick, addressing reporters at a somber news conference, detailed the events that led to the devastating loss of five family members. The victims were identified as Joanne Kearns, 69; Frank DeLucia, 71; Tina Hammond, 64; and Hammond’s daughter, Victoria Hammond, 30. The shooter’s mother, Theresa DeLucia, had passed away on August 19 at the age of 95, with her funeral held just days before on August 23.

According to Fitzpatrick, the family had gathered at the matriarch’s Syosset home, located about 35 miles from Manhattan, to meet with a realtor and discuss selling the property. It was during this meeting that DeLucia’s fears apparently reached a breaking point.

Joe and the niece he killed too

“The gunman’s perception was that he was being cut out of the will and that he would be displaced with nowhere to go,” Fitzpatrick explained. This perception, whether accurate or not, drove DeLucia to retrieve a loaded 12-gauge Mossberg shotgun and approach his family members in the rear area of the house.

In a horrifying sequence of events, DeLucia fired 12 shots from the kitchen, striking all four victims multiple times. After the shooting, he moved to the front lawn, where he “shouted indiscriminately about what had happened” before turning the weapon on himself. A neighbor, hearing the commotion, alerted authorities around noon.

When police arrived at the scene, they found all five individuals deceased. “The entire family is now gone,” Fitzpatrick stated, underscoring the tragic finality of the incident.

Surviving relatives later informed investigators that contrary to DeLucia’s fears, he was not being completely cut off. Fitzpatrick noted, “He was being taken care of but he would have to relocate” from the home where he had lived his entire life. This impending change, at the age of 59, apparently triggered a panic in DeLucia.

The police captain described DeLucia, who worked as a mechanic for a car dealership, as a hoarder. The house was reportedly packed with tools, providing insight into DeLucia’s mindset as he faced the prospect of leaving his lifelong home.

While it has been reported to police that DeLucia had mental health issues, authorities have not yet confirmed these claims. Fitzpatrick revealed that police had conducted a wellness check on DeLucia in 2022, but at that time, he did not display behavior warranting involuntary action and was not deemed a danger to himself or others.

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder, visibly shaken, described the crime scene as among the worst he has encountered in his 41-year law enforcement career. Both Ryder and Fitzpatrick used the tragedy to implore the public to come forward if they suspect someone is struggling with mental health issues.

“We’re not saying this incident could’ve been averted, but maybe it could’ve,” Fitzpatrick emphasized, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness and intervention.

Authorities are still investigating the origins of the shotgun used in the killings, working to trace its serial number and purchase history.

This devastating event has sent shockwaves through the typically tranquil community of Syosset and serves as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of untreated mental health issues and family disputes. As the investigation continues, local residents and the wider public are left grappling with the senseless loss of life and the complex factors that can lead to such tragedies.

Mental health experts stress the importance of seeking help in times of crisis. The Suicide and Crisis Lifeline can be reached by calling or texting 988, or by visiting 988lifeline.org for live chat support. Additional resources are available at SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.

As the community mourns, this tragic incident underscores the need for increased awareness of mental health issues, family support systems, and the availability of resources for those facing major life changes or emotional distress.

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