Joseph DeLucia Jr. Death, Obituary, Murder-Suicide – The serene community of Syosset, Long Island, was rocked by an unspeakable tragedy on Sunday, August 25, 2024. Joseph DeLucia Jr., 59, has been identified as the perpetrator in a horrific murder-suicide that claimed the lives of four family members before he turned the gun on himself.
The incident, which unfolded in the DeLucia family home on Wyoming Court, has left the community in shock and mourning. According to police, the tragic sequence of events began in the rear of the DeLucia home, where Joseph is believed to have fatally shot his three siblings and a niece before moving to the front lawn and ending his own life.
The victims have been identified as Joanne Kearns, 69, from Tampa, Florida; Frank DeLucia, 64, from Durham, North Carolina; Tina Hammond, 64, and her daughter, Victoria Hammond, 30, both from East Patchogue, New York.
Detective Captain Stephen Fitzpatrick revealed that the shootings appear to have stemmed from a family dispute related to the sale of the home Joseph had lived in for his entire life. Authorities believe that Joseph DeLucia Jr. may have panicked over the prospect of losing the home and being cut out of the family’s will.
The home on Wyoming Court was described as one of the most “horrific” crime scenes ever encountered by Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder. In a press briefing held on Monday, Commissioner Ryder urged the public to remain vigilant and proactive when they have concerns about someone’s mental well-being.
He noted that neighbors had reported DeLucia making ominous statements about the possibility of gun violence, though these accounts have yet to be independently verified. One neighbor reportedly called 911 around noon on Sunday, but by that time, the tragic events had already occurred.
Detective Fitzpatrick also confirmed that Joseph DeLucia Jr. had a history of mental health issues, which might have contributed to his drastic actions. The incident underscores the critical importance of addressing mental health concerns and maintaining open lines of communication within families to prevent such tragedies.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this devastating event, the focus will remain on understanding the circumstances that led to this violent outburst and providing support to those affected by the loss. The DeLucia family’s story serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between mental health issues, family dynamics, and the potential for violence.
