Simple request in Long Island woman's will sparked her son's devastating shotgun rampage on siblings

Joseph DeLucia, 59, from Long Island, fatally shot his three siblings and niece before killing himself after a dispute over their late mother’s estate. His mother, Theresa DeLucia, had left her home to be sold and the proceeds divided among her children, leaving Joseph, who had lived there his entire life, homeless. Struggling with mental health issues and panicked about losing his home, Joseph opened fire during a family meeting.

Despite reassurances from his siblings, Joseph believed he was being left out of the estate. He used a legally purchased shotgun to kill his family members inside the home before taking his own life outside. Neighbors and police noted his declining mental state, exacerbated by his mother’s death and fear of displacement.

Authorities revealed that Joseph had dealt with mental health problems throughout his life, and his hoarding tendencies worsened his isolation. His siblings had traveled from out of state for the meeting, and despite their efforts to resolve the situation, Joseph’s deteriorating mental state led to the tragic outcome.

For more information see James Gordon "Simple request in Long Island woman's will sparked her son's devastating shotgun rampage on siblings" The Daily Mail, September 12, 2024.

Special thanks to Joel C. Dobris (Professor of Law, UC Davis School of Law) for bringing this article to my attention.