The Nassau County Police Department's Homicide Squad have released the identities of individuals involved in an apparent Murder-Suicide that occurred in Syosset on Sunday, August 25, 2024 at 11:58 am.
According to detectives, Second Precinct police responded to Wyoming Avenue residence for a report of shots fired. Upon arrival, Second Precinct police observed a male outside the home that sustained an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Further investigation revealed that 4 other victims were also discovered inside the residence deceased. All five victims were pronounced deceased by a Nassau County Police Medic.
At a press conference held on Monday, August 26 at 11 a.m. at Nassau County Police Headquarters in Mineola, the identities of the deceased individuals.
The man found outsside the residence, who had died of a self-inflicted 12-gauge shotgun wound, is identified as Joseph DeLucia Jr., age 59.
The four victims discovered inside the Wyoming Avenue residence, who police confirmed were murdered by DeLucia prior to his suicide, have been identified as:
- Joanne Kearns of Tampa, Florida, 69
- Frank DeLucia of Durham, North Carolina, 64
- Victoria Hammond of East Patchogue, 30
- Tina Hammond of East Patchogue, 64 (mother of Victoria Hammond)
The above four victims were killed by the same 12-gauge shotgun that DeLucia then used to kill himself, police say.
The motive for the shootings remain unclear. The investigation is ongoing.