A former EMT shocked his quiet Long Island neighborhood by committing a heinous act of violence, resulting in the deaths of three of his siblings and a niece before taking his own life. The tragic incident unfolded at the family’s Syosset home, where Joseph DeLucia, Jr., 59, unleashed his anger over the sale of the property, leading to a devastating outcome.
The Lifelong Resident’s Tragic Final Act
Joseph DeLucia, Jr. had spent his entire life residing in the Syosset home owned by his 95-year-old mother, Theresa DeLucia. The family was faced with the difficult decision of selling the property following Theresa’s passing, a move that would require DeLucia to find a new place to live. With no alternative living arrangements in sight, DeLucia’s distress and frustration reached a boiling point, culminating in a horrific act of violence that shattered the tranquility of the neighborhood.
Armed with a pump-action Mossberg 12-gauge shotgun, DeLucia mercilessly gunned down his siblings: Joanne Kearns, 69, of Tampa, Florida; Tina Hammond, 64, of East Patchogue; and Frank DeLucia, 63, of Durham, North Carolina. The brutal murders took place in the den of the family home, leaving a trail of devastation in their wake. DeLucia’s niece, 30-year-old Victoria Hammond of East Patchogue, also fell victim to his wrath before he turned the weapon on himself, ending his own life in the front yard.
Neighbors React to the Unfathomable Tragedy
The horrific event sent shockwaves through the tight-knit community, leaving neighbors grappling with the senseless loss of life. Wendy Paisner, a resident across the street from the crime scene, expressed her sorrow and concern over the heartbreaking turn of events. Reflecting on the challenges faced by the DeLucia family, Paisner noted the profound impact of Theresa’s passing and the subsequent decision to sell the family home, which appeared to trigger DeLucia’s descent into violence.
Another neighbor, Sandy Landsman, shed light on DeLucia’s emotional struggles, describing him as a troubled individual prone to emitting blood-curdling screams when agitated. Landsman recounted a chilling moment when DeLucia’s distress manifested in a haunting scream that sent shivers down the spines of those who heard it. The grim episode underscored the depths of DeLucia’s anguish and the tragic consequences that ensued.
Unraveling the Mental Health Crisis
Nassau County Police Captain Stephen Fitzpatrick revealed that investigators had been made aware of DeLucia’s history of mental health issues, though official confirmation on the matter was pending. Neighbors corroborated these concerns, pointing to signs of deteriorating mental health in the wake of Theresa’s passing. DeLucia’s inability to cope with the loss and the impending sale of the family home appeared to exacerbate his emotional turmoil, leading to a catastrophic outcome.
Fitzpatrick shed light on DeLucia’s background as a local auto mechanic with a penchant for hoarding tools and equipment. The cluttered state of the family home reflected DeLucia’s lifelong attachment to the familiar surroundings, making the prospect of relocation all the more daunting. His social media posts hinted at his frustrations with customers and his struggles to adapt to changing circumstances, painting a picture of a man overwhelmed by the upheaval in his life.
The Financial Motive Behind the Tragedy
Despite the modest appearance of the Syosset home, a local real estate agent estimated its value at around $900,000, signaling a significant financial windfall for the sellers. Mary Macaluso, the real estate agent contacted by the DeLucia family to discuss the sale of the property, arrived at the scene only to find it cordoned off by police. The planned visit to negotiate the sale had been abruptly derailed by the unfathomable tragedy that unfolded within the walls of the family home.
Fitzpatrick’s revelation that DeLucia fired a total of 13 shots, including 12 aimed at the victims and one at himself, hinted at the intensity of the violence that transpired. The need to reload multiple times underscored the calculated nature of DeLucia’s actions, indicating a premeditated act of violence driven by despair and desperation. While DeLucia’s criminal record was limited to a prior arrest for drunk driving in 1983, his mental health struggles and emotional turmoil cast a dark shadow over the tragic events that unfolded.
Remembering a Beloved Community Member
Theresa DeLucia, the matriarch of the family, was fondly remembered by her community as a beloved and cherished member of Syosset. Born and raised in the area, Theresa dedicated three decades to serving as a nurse at a local hospital, touching the lives of many with her compassionate care. Her volunteer work at shelters and food banks further exemplified her selfless spirit and commitment to helping those in need, leaving a lasting legacy of kindness and generosity in the hearts of those who knew her.
The Legacy of Loss and Grief
The devastating loss of life at the DeLucia family home serves as a grim reminder of the profound impact of mental health crises and emotional turmoil on individuals and their loved ones. The tragic events that unfolded in the quiet neighborhood of Syosset have left a community reeling from the shock and sorrow of a senseless act of violence that claimed multiple lives and shattered the lives of those left behind.
As the community grapples with the aftermath of the tragedy, the memory of those lost in the heartbreaking incident serves as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the importance of supporting those in crisis. The legacy of loss and grief that now hangs heavy over the Syosset neighborhood serves as a somber tribute to the victims of the tragic incident, whose lives were cut short by a wave of violence that swept through their home and forever altered the fabric of their community.
