Retired Durham firefighter among five dead in New York murder-suicide

A retired Durham firefighter was among five people killed in a murder-suicide in New York City over the weekend, according to Nassau County police.

Frank DeLucia died during the shooting at about 11:58 a.m. Sunday at a home on Wyoming Avenue in Syosset, Long Island, police said. The 64-year-old was the shooter's brother, according to Nassau County police.

“The members of Local 668 mourn the loss of retired firefighter Frank DeLucia,” Durham Fire Department officials wrote in a Facebook post. “He was an exceptional firefighter and well loved by the members. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family during this difficult time.”

Authorities identified the other victims as follows:

• Joanne Kearns, sister of the shooter, 69, of Tampa, Florida
• Tina Hammond, sister of the shooter, 64, of East Patchogue, New York
• Victoria Hammond, niece of the shooter, 30, of East Patchogue, New York

According to police, Joseph Delucia shot the victims before turning the gun on himself. He was 59 years old.

The investigation is ongoing.