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A tragic murder-suicide in Syosset, Long Island, New York, left five people dead on Sunday (August 25). The incident reportedly occurred as the family was preparing to meet with a realtor to sell their recently deceased mother's home. The victims were identified as Joanne Kearns, 69, of Tampa, Florida; Frank DeLucia, 64, of Durham, North Carolina; Tina Hammond, 64, and her daughter, Victoria Hammond, 30, both of East Patchogue, New York. The alleged gunman was identified as Joseph DeLucia Jr., 59, a mechanic who had lived in the home his entire life.
According to Fox News, DeLucia Jr. was believed to have been distressed over the prospect of being displaced from the home following his mother's death. Nassau County police reported that DeLucia Jr. had shot each of the four victims multiple times before turning the gun on himself.
The family had gathered at the home to discuss plans to sell the property with a local realtor, Mary Macaluso. The home's most recent resident, Theresa Martha DeLucia, 95, had passed away just three days prior to the incident. The siblings had flown in from out of state to attend her funeral and sort out her will.
Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder urged the public to come forward if they notice anything suspicious about their neighbors. He noted that DeLucia's neighbors had reported that the gunman had previously warned them, "If you hear gunshots, don't bother calling 911; it'll be too late."
The incident is one of the most "horrific" scenes ever seen by the Nassau County Police, according to Commissioner Ryder. The investigation is ongoing.