In a devastating incident that shocked the community of Syosset, New York, a 59-year-old man, Joseph Delia Jr., took the lives of his family members before turning the gun on himself. The tragedy unfolded on August 23, 2024, at approximately 11:58 AM, when local police received a 911 call reporting gunshots at 76 Wyoming Court. The events leading up to this horrific crime were rooted in Joseph’s deep-seated fear that he was about to be cut out of his mother’s will and left without a place to live.
The Unfolding of the Tragedy
Joseph Delia Jr., born on April 12, 1965, had lived at the family home in Syosset his entire life. He was an auto mechanic by trade, working at a local car dealership, and had never lived independently. His world revolved around his work, and he was known to spend all his money on tools, leading to a home that was described as hoarded and packed with his belongings. The death of his mother, Teresa Delia, on August 19, 2024, marked the beginning of the end for Joseph.
Three days after Teresa’s funeral, Joseph, consumed by the belief that he would be left homeless and without support, decided to take matters into his own hands. Armed with a legally owned 12-gauge Mossberg pump-action shotgun, Joseph confronted his family in the rear den area of the house. Among those present were his siblings and a niece: Joanne Kearneke, aged 69, from Tampa, Florida; Frank Delia, aged 64, from Durham, North Carolina; Tina Hammond, aged 64, from East Patchogue; and her daughter, Victoria Hammond, aged 30, also from East Patchogue.
Without warning, Joseph fired 12 shots, striking each of his relatives multiple times. The scene was one of unimaginable horror. After ensuring that none of them survived, Joseph walked out onto the front lawn of the property. There, in a state of apparent distress, he began shouting incoherently about what had just transpired. A neighbor, alarmed by the commotion, called 911, but by the time the authorities arrived, it was too late. Joseph had already turned the gun on himself, firing a fatal shot to his chest. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigation and Aftermath
The police investigation revealed that Joseph had suffered from mental health issues, though these were not fully documented or confirmed. Despite these concerns, no one in the family or the community had taken steps to intervene before the tragedy occurred. The only prior interaction law enforcement had with Joseph was a well-being check in 2022, following a report from someone concerned about his behavior. However, at that time, officers found no reason to believe he was a danger to himself or others.
Joseph’s prior criminal record was minimal, with only one arrest for driving while impaired dating back to 1983. In the years since, there had been no significant legal troubles or red flags that might have predicted the extreme violence he would later commit.
The shotgun used in the crime was a legally owned firearm, with no modifications that would make it illegal under New York State law. However, authorities noted that if Joseph’s mental instability had been more widely recognized or reported, there might have been grounds to prevent him from possessing the weapon under the state’s red flag laws. These laws are designed to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed to be a risk to themselves or others.
Community Response and Law Enforcement Advice
In the wake of the murders, the police urged the public to be more vigilant about reporting concerning behavior. They stressed that while this particular incident might not have been preventable, earlier intervention could have made a difference. Neighbors reported that Joseph had previously made ominous statements, such as warning that if gunshots were heard, it would already be too late to call 911. Unfortunately, these warnings went unheeded until the tragedy had already unfolded.
The police commissioner emphasized the importance of community members speaking up when they notice signs of distress or instability in others. He reassured the public that law enforcement takes all reports seriously and that they would rather investigate and find nothing than miss an opportunity to prevent a catastrophe. The commissioner also noted that, had neighbors or family members reported Joseph’s earlier statements or any signs of his deteriorating mental state, the police might have been able to initiate proceedings to remove his access to firearms.
Conclusion
This heartbreaking incident serves as a grim reminder of the potential consequences of untreated mental health issues and the importance of community vigilance. Joseph Delia Jr.’s fear of losing his home and being left without support led him to commit an unthinkable act of violence, leaving a trail of grief and shock in its wake. The surviving family members, friends, and neighbors are now left to grapple with the aftermath of a tragedy that might have been prevented with timely intervention and support.
