SYOSSET, N.Y. — In a tragic unfolding of events last month, a Long Island man committed a violent act against his own family, ending in a murder-suicide that shocked the community. Joseph DeLucia Jr., 59, killed his three siblings and his niece before taking his own life with a shotgun, authorities reported. This horrific incident occurred shortly after the death of DeLucia Jr.’s mother, whose last will initiated a series of events that may have contributed to the tragedy.
In the will signed by Theresa DeLucia in 2007, she instructed that her Syosset home be sold and the proceeds equally divided among her four children. Although all siblings were to receive an equal share of the estate, the requirement to sell the family home appears to have deeply upset DeLucia Jr., who had lived there all his life.
Nassau County police initially speculated that DeLucia Jr. might have been excluded from the will, potentially triggering his violent response. However, further investigation revealed that he was indeed included in the will and was designated to receive an equal portion of his mother’s assets along with his siblings. Theresa DeLucia had named her son Frank DeLucia as the executor of the will, responsible for carrying out her final wishes, including the sale of the property.
On August 25, fueled by what police believe was rage over the impending sale of his longtime home, DeLucia Jr. used a 12-gauge Mossberg shotgun — legally registered in his name — to murder Joanne Kearns, 69; Tina Hammond, 64; Frank DeLucia, 63; and Victoria Hammond, 30, in the home’s den. He then stepped outside, took a seat in a chair in the front yard, and ended his own life with a gunshot to the chest.
Authorities arrived at the scene around noon that day to discover the grim outcome of DeLucia Jr.’s actions. The event marked one of the most “horrific” scenes ever encountered by the Nassau County Police, as described by County Commissioner Patrick Ryder during a press briefing.
Ryder emphasized the importance of community vigilance regarding mental health concerns. He recounted how neighbors had heard from DeLucia Jr. himself, who ominously warned them, “If you hear gunshots, don’t bother calling 911; it’ll be too late.”
The case underscores the complexities of familial relationships and estate management that can, in rare and extreme cases, lead to devastating outcomes. Legal experts often recommend clear communication and mediation in estate planning to prevent misunderstandings and disputes among surviving family members.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy, local leaders and mental health professionals are calling for increased awareness and proactive measures to address mental health issues before they escalate into violence.
For those affected by similar issues or in need of support, resources such as the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline are available. This service provides confidential support for individuals in crisis or distress, aiming to prevent tragedies like the one that struck the DeLucia family.