SYOSSET, NY – Tragedy struck a quiet cul-de-sac in Nassau County on Sunday. A man is believed to have killed four people in their shared home before committing suicide on the front lawn. The violent incident comes just days after the recent death of the family’s matriarch and amidst plans to sell the family home.
The shootings took place in a small blue house on Wyoming Court in Syosset. Police believe the gunman was one of the deceased woman’s sons, who also resided in the property. Local real estate agent Mary Macaluso was planning to meet with the family members to discuss the imminent sale of the house, which had been estimated at almost $900,000 on Zillow.
The property’s owner, Theresa Martha DeLucia, passed away last week at the age of 95. Two of her children traveled from Florida for the funeral and were preparing to sell the property swiftly before returning home. According to Macaluso, the unsettling events began unfolding shortly before her planned arrival at the residence.
Nassau County Police Department Commissioner Patrick Ryder inferred the incident as a murder-suicide. The gunman is thought to be DeLucia’s adult son, who lived in the house and was reportedly upset about the upcoming sale.
The gunman’s neighbor revealed that he had mental health issues and was distressed about losing his lifelong home and his mother’s passing.