Tragic End in Syosset: Man's Mental Health Struggles Lead to Fatal Shooting over Mother's Will

In a heartbreaking turn of events, a Syosset man, Joseph DeLucia, 59, took the lives of four family members before turning the gun on himself, following a dispute over his late mother's will. The tragic incident occurred on Monday, in the home on Wyoming Court where DeLucia had lived with his 95-year-old mother, Theresa DeLucia, his entire life. After Theresa's funeral, DeLucia's siblings had gathered at the house to meet with a realtor and sell the property. However, DeLucia, fearing he would be cut out of the will and left without a place to live, grabbed a shotgun and opened fire in the kitchen, striking his two sisters, his brother, and a niece multiple times.

The victims were identified as Joanne Kearns, 69, of Tampa, Florida; Frank DeLucia, 64, of Durham, North Carolina; Tina Hammond, 64, and her daughter Victoria Hammond, 30, both of East Patchogue, Long Island. Following the shooting, DeLucia went outside, confessed to the neighbors, sat down on the lawn, and took his own life. Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder described the scene as one of the most horrific he had witnessed in his 41-year career. DeLucia had a history of mental health issues, which were reported to the police. He was described as a hoarder who had spent all his money on tools and auto mechanics equipment. With his world changing at the age of 59, DeLucia panicked and resorted to violence. Despite assurances from his siblings that he would be taken care of, DeLucia was told he would have to move. Neighbors had reportedly heard him talk of suicide and gunshots in the days leading up to the incident, but they were unaware

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