On the evening of September 10, 2024, a tragic murder-suicide occurred in Penn Yan, New York, leaving two individuals dead. The Penn Yan Police Department received a call at 7:38 p.m. from a family member who had arrived at the residence located at 127 Franklin Street. Upon entering the home, the family member discovered two deceased individuals and immediately alerted authorities. Officers responded to the scene and identified the victims as Michael Staff, 37, and Ashley Manako, 38.
According to initial reports, both victims suffered gunshot wounds. Michael Staff had wounds to his torso and head, while Ashley Manako appeared to have sustained a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the neck. Authorities have labeled the case as a murder-suicide, with the evidence suggesting that Manako fatally shot Staff before taking her own life. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene, and their bodies were transported to the Monroe County Medical Examiner’s Office for an autopsy.
Michael Principel, 37, had also been involved in the tragic event and was found dead from a gunshot wound, though his role in the situation remains under investigation. At this stage, law enforcement officials are focused on determining the motivations behind the incident, with no clear indication of what triggered the fatal confrontation.
The Penn Yan Police Department is collaborating with other local agencies to provide support and assistance to those affected by the tragedy. Halco Energy, the company where Michael Principel worked as an HVAC and refrigeration service technician, has not yet commented on the incident.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Penn Yan community, with residents expressing grief and disbelief over the loss of life. As authorities continue their investigation, further updates are expected, but the situation has left many grappling with the devastation of the event.
Police have urged anyone with information about the situation to come forward, emphasizing that the investigation is ongoing. This heartbreaking case of domestic violence underscores the need for continued support for individuals in crisis and the importance of addressing mental health concerns in communities.
