Tragedy struck a quiet cul-de-sac in Nassau County as five people were killed in a murder-suicide. The incident occurred just days after the family’s matriarch passed away and relatives were preparing to sell the house, according to police and sources.
All the victims were found shot to death inside the small blue home on Wyoming Court in Syosset. The gunman, believed to be the son who resided in the house with his late mother, took his own life on the front lawn, as reported by Newsday.
Real estate agent Mary Macaluso shared, “The mom just died, and they were selling the house.” She was scheduled to meet the family at the property, but the street was already closed off by authorities when she arrived.
Macaluso explained that the children had asked her to visit the house to discuss listing it for sale, as it was valued at nearly $900,000 on Zillow.
She mentioned that the family wanted a quick sale, especially since two members had traveled from Florida for the funeral and were planning to return soon.
The homeowner, identified as Theresa Martha DeLucia through public records, passed away at the age of 95, according to her obituary.
Nassau County Police Department Commissioner Patrick Ryder stated, “It appears to be a murder-suicide.” He confirmed that the individual on the front lawn had taken his own life.
Ryder later informed News12 that investigators believe DeLucia’s adult son, who lived in the house, was upset about the circumstances surrounding the sale of the house, leading him to commit the tragic act.
A neighbor across the street mentioned that the man had mental health issues and was deeply affected by his mother’s death and the prospect of losing the house where he had spent his entire life.
