Tragedy in Syosset: Murder-Suicide Leaves Five Dead in Quiet New York Neighborhood

A gruesome murder-suicide in the quiet New York neighborhood of Syosset has claimed the lives of five people, including a family meeting to sell their deceased mother's home. Police believe the tragedy was fueled by a dispute over the inheritance.

A peaceful Sunday morning in the quaint Long Island neighborhood of Syosset was shattered by a horrific murder-suicide that left five people dead. The victims, identified as Theresa DeLucia's four children and a niece, had gathered at their mother's home to meet with a real estate agent to discuss selling the property.

Tragically, the family gathering turned into a nightmare when the youngest son, Joseph DeLucia, opened fire on his siblings and niece, killing them all and then turning the gun on himself. Police discovered the bodies of the victims inside and outside the home, with the gunman lying near his shotgun on the grass.

Tragedy in Syosset: Murder-Suicide Leaves Five Dead in Quiet New York Neighborhood

The family's quiet life was upended by a dispute over the inheritance from their mother, Theresa DeLucia, who had passed away last month. According to her will, Joseph was entitled to one-fourth of the home's value and the rest of her estate. However, the will also stipulated that any family members living in the home at the time of her death should vacate the premises to facilitate the sale.

Investigators believe Joseph feared being left homeless after his mother's death. "There was talk in that community about the distress of this shooter that had decided he did not want to leave his residence after his mom died," Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder told reporters.

Tragedy in Syosset: Murder-Suicide Leaves Five Dead in Quiet New York Neighborhood

Despite warning signs in the community, the deadly rampage could not be prevented. "There was talk in the community in the past that if you hear shots fired, don't call the police – it'll be too late," Ryder said.

The victims of the tragedy were identified as Joanne Kearns, 69; Frank DeLucia, 64; Tina Hammond, 64; and her daughter Victoria, 30. Joseph DeLucia, 59, was the lone gunman and shooter.

Tragedy in Syosset: Murder-Suicide Leaves Five Dead in Quiet New York Neighborhood

Police recovered a 12-gauge shotgun at the scene and determined that DeLucia had a history of mental illness. However, he had no significant criminal record beyond a drunken driving stop decades ago. Police said that under New York's red flag law, they could have taken away his shotgun if they had been alerted to the warning signs.

"If anybody has somebody that they think has issues, they should be calling us," Nassau Detective Capt. Stephen Fitzpatrick urged.

Tragedy in Syosset: Murder-Suicide Leaves Five Dead in Quiet New York Neighborhood

The tragedy has cast a dark shadow over the quiet neighborhood. Local realtor Mary Macaluso, who was scheduled to meet with the family, arrived at the scene to find the block closed off with police tape. "It's just so sad," she said. "This is such a quiet neighborhood."

The incident has raised concerns about the alarming increase in murder-suicides across the country. In recent months, similar tragedies have occurred in New Jersey, Tennessee, and Texas. Experts attribute this rise to a complex combination of factors, including the availability of guns, mental health issues, and the economic pressures of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tragedy in Syosset: Murder-Suicide Leaves Five Dead in Quiet New York Neighborhood

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues, please seek professional help. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 988.