Distraught son kills five people in dead mother’s home in apparent murder-suicide before meeting real estate agent

A Long Island man who fatally shot four family members in a gruesome murder-suicide was distraught about potentially being left homeless after the recent death of his mother and the impending sale of the home they shared.

Joseph DeLucia, 59, opened fire inside the Syosset home Sunday, killing his brother, two sisters and niece, before running outside and shooting himself, police said at a news conference Monday.

Police arrived at the Wyoming Court home and found DeLucia’s body on the front lawn. Inside the home, they found the bodies of her brother Frank DeLucia, 63, of Durham, N.C.; her sister Joann Kearns, 69, of Tampa; and her sister, Tina Hammond, 64, and her daughter, Victoria Hammond, 30, both of East Patchogue.

The murders occurred just before the family was to meet with Mary Macaluso, a local real estate agent, to sell the house, which belonged to their mother. News day reported.

“The children were all there for the funeral and they asked me to come and see the house,” she told the newspaper.

The family matriarch is believed to be Theresa Martha DeLucia, 95, who is the home’s most recent resident and was buried Friday, according to documents seen by News day.

But when Macaluso arrived home Sunday for the 12:30 p.m. appointment, police had blocked off the area after the shootings. The home is estimated to be worth $900,000, according to Zillow.

“In 41 years, this is one of the most horrific scenes I have ever seen,” Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said at the news conference. “As they entered the back room, the victims were shot multiple times and the shooter was on the lawn before he took his own life.”

Neighbor Randi Marquis, who said News day who had helped care for Theresa DeLucia, visited the family last week after her death.

She recalls the son being distraught at the thought of being homeless after discovering that his mother’s will gave instructions to sell the house, even though the siblings had promised they would care for him.

“He loved his mother. His mother was always there for him,” Marquis said.

“His sister said she was worried about him. She said there was nothing left for him here. He was sitting in the yard and said, ‘I’m going to be homeless.’ It’s very unfortunate and I can’t imagine.”

If you are experiencing feelings of distress or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in complete confidentiality, on 116 123 (UK and Ireland), email [email protected] or visit the Samaritans website to find contact details for your nearest branch.

If you are in the United States and you or someone you know needs mental health support right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org to access the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline online chat. This is a free, confidential helpline available to anyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.