By 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.
“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.
