Joseph DeLucia Jr: New York man shoots family – then himself – over fears of being cut out of mother’s will

Published

9 months ago

August 26, 2024

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A man who believed he was being cut out of his mother’s will and did not want to move out of her home, has shot dead four members of his own family before taking his own life, police in the US have said.

Joseph DeLucia Jr killed his three siblings, Joanne Kearns, Frank DeLucia and Tina Hammond as well as Ms Hammond’s daughter, Victoria Hammond, at a family meeting at his mother’s home in Long Island on Sunday.

DeLucia Jr, 59, met the others at the property in Syosset, about 15 miles (24km) east of New York City, Nassau County Police Captain Stephen Fitzpatrick said on Monday.

It was just three days after Theresa DeLucia, who died last week at age 95, had been buried, he said.

But instead of discussing the planned sale of the home, where DeLucia Jr had lived his whole life, the car mechanic fired 12 rounds from a shotgun, killing the others.

He then walked out to the front garden “shouting indiscriminately” about what he had just done before turning the gun on himself, Captain Fitzpatrick said.

His two sisters and brother were all in their 60s, while his niece was 30, police said. All four were found in the house, while DeLucia Jr was found outside, News12 said.

The family members had tried to convince DeLucia Jr that he would be provided for following his mother’s death, but that he would have to move out of her home.

A neighbour who identified as Randy said while DeLucia Jr appeared “sad and confused” in recent days, there were no obvious warning signs he would turn violent and said she was not aware he owned a gun.

She said: “We had no idea this was coming. If we knew he was going to do this, we would have said something, of course we would.”

The family had gathered at the house ahead of a meeting with a local real estate agent and were also celebrating Tina Hammond’s birthday, she said.

Police said they could have used so-called “red flag” laws to stop DeLucia Jr from getting hold of a firearm if they had known he was dealing with mental health issues.

Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said officers only learned after the shooting that neighbours were concerned he might harm himself or others as he had been emotional and distraught following his mother’s death.

Captain Fitzpatrick said police were still looking into reports DeLucia Jr dealt with mental health issues, adding that he was a hoarder and the house was packed with tools and other car repair items.

The only time police had been called to the residence in recent years was for a wellness check, and his only arrest was for driving under the influence back in 1983, he said.

US

Is Trump walking away from peace in Ukraine?

Published

5 mins ago

May 20, 2025

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Is Trump walking away from peace in Ukraine?

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After weeks of stalemate and growing frustration, Donald Trump has spoken on the phone with President Putin. But has the dial towards peace moved any further along?

Sky News US correspondents James Matthews and Martha Kelner discuss if President Trump is walking away from negotiations and giving up his ambition to be the peace broker in Ukraine, after a two-hour phone call with Putin didn’t amount to any change.

Plus, as the world reacts to President Joe Biden’s cancer diagnosis James and Martha discuss the controversy around the timing of the announcement and discuss speculation that Biden could have been impacted while he was in office.

If you’ve got a question you’d like the Trump100 team to answer, you can email it to trump100@sky.uk.

Don’t forget, you can also watch all episodes on our YouTube channel.

US

King writes to Biden after former US president reveals cancer diagnosis

Published

1 day ago

May 19, 2025

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King writes to Biden after former US president reveals cancer diagnosis

The King has written to former US president Joe Biden after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer, Buckingham Palace said

The monarch, who is undergoing his own treatment for an undisclosed cancer, hosted the 82-year-old for tea and talks at Windsor in July 2023.

Mr Biden was diagnosed on Friday, with tests revealing the cancer had spread to his bones.

The former president posted an image of himself and his wife Jill on X on Monday and wrote: “Cancer touches us all. Like so many of you, Jill and I have learned that we are strongest in the broken places. Thank you for lifting us up with love and support.”

The King’s letter comes after British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer”.

“All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family, and wishing the President swift and successful treatment,” he added.

Meanwhile US President Donald Trump said he was “saddened” by the news, adding: “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

Former US president Barack Obama said: “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family.

“Nobody has done more to find breakthrough treatments for cancer in all its forms than Joe, and I am certain he will fight this challenge with his trademark resolve and grace. We pray for a fast and full recovery.”

After a poor debate performance against Mr Trump and amid escalating concerns around his age and fitness to serve, Mr Biden withdrew from the 2024 presidential election race and endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris.

Ms Harris wrote on X after his diagnosis: “We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.

“Joe is a fighter – and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience, and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery.”

Former US president Bill Clinton wrote on social media: “My friend Joe Biden’s always been a fighter. Hillary and I are rooting for him and are keeping him, Jill, and the entire family in our thoughts.”

Hillary Clinton, who unsuccessfully ran for president in 2016, said she was “thinking of the Bidens as they take on cancer, a disease they’ve done so much to try to spare other families from”.

Speaker of the US House of Representatives Mike Johnson said it was “sad news” and his family “will be joining the countless others who are praying” for Mr Biden.

Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi described Mr Biden as a “great American patriot” and said she was “praying for him to have strength and a swift recovery”.

Mr Trump’s secretary of state, Marco Rubio, wrote on social media that he and his wife were “united in prayer for the Biden Family during this difficult time”.

US

Politicians send messages of support to Joe Biden after cancer diagnosis

Published

1 day ago

May 19, 2025

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Politicians send messages of support to Joe Biden after cancer diagnosis

Politicians have sent messages of support to Joe Biden, who has been diagnosed with prostate cancer.

The 82-year-old, who is the oldest person to ever serve as US president, was described as a “fighter” with people wishing him a “fast and full recovery”.

US President Donald Trump said he was “saddened” by the news, adding: “We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery.”

Former US president Barack Obama said: “Michelle and I are thinking of the entire Biden family.

British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said he was “very sorry to hear President Biden has prostate cancer”.

“All the very best to Joe, his wife Jill and their family, and wishing the President swift and successful treatment,” he added.

After a poor debate performance against Mr Trump and amid escalating concerns for his health, Mr Biden withdrew from the 2024 election and endorsed his vice president Kamala Harris.

Ms Harris wrote on X: “We are keeping him, Dr. Biden, and their entire family in our hearts and prayers during this time.

Speaker of the US House Of Representatives Mike Johnson said it was “sad news” and his family “will be joining the countless others who are praying” for Mr Biden.

Former House speaker Nancy Pelosi described Mr Biden as a “great American patriot” and said she was “praying for him to have strength and a swift recovery”.

Mr Trump’s secretary of state, Marco Rubio, wrote on social media he and his wife were “united in prayer for the Biden Family during this difficult time”.