IRONDEQUOIT, N.Y. — Tragedy struck a New York community when a 24-year-old man from Irondequoit fatally shot his 80-year-old grandfather and then committed suicide in a state park, officials reported.
The incident began early Thursday morning when police were called to the residence of Jon DePonceau, discovering him deceased with a gunshot wound to the upper torso. According to Irondequoit Police Chief Scott Peters, the suspect, identified as Andrew Vahey, fled the scene before law enforcement’s arrival.
Authorities were alerted to Vahey’s actions by his roommate, who reported receiving disturbing texts from Vahey confessing to the murder and declaring his intent to end his own life. Police promptly located Vahey’s empty vehicle at Letchworth State Park, setting the stage for an extensive search operation.
The search involved multiple law enforcement agencies including New York State Park Police, and tactical units such as the New York State Police Aviation Unit and the Special Operations Response Team (SORT) with K9 units. Despite efforts to apprehend him alive, Vahey was found deceased, having used a firearm on himself.
The chief elaborated during a press briefing that the situation escalated from an apparent property dispute, leading to the tragic outcomes. He expressed his condolences, noting the profound impact on the family who lost both a patriarch and a young member in a single day.
Following Vahey’s discovery, emergency medical attention was administered, but efforts to revive him were unsuccessful. Police confirmed the case closure citing comprehensive evidence collection, witness testimonies, and collaboration with the Monroe County District Attorney’s office.
The community reacted with sorrow and disbelief. Residents of Pinegrove Avenue, where both DePonceau and Vahey lived, voiced their shock over the grim events. One neighbor, reflecting the sentiment of many, described the day’s events as profoundly saddening for everyone involved.
Letchworth State Park, known for its scenic beauty, became an unexpected focal point of a law enforcement operation as campers were evacuated during the search. One camper recounted the tense atmosphere when approached by police in search of the suspect.
As the neighborhood begins to process these events, questions linger about the underlying causes of such familial disputes turning fatal. Mental health professionals emphasize the importance of addressing conflicts through dialogue and professional intervention before they escalate to irreversible actions.
The streets surrounding the crime scene have reopened, but the echoes of this tragedy continue to resonate, serving as a somber reminder of the critical need for community and familial support systems in preventing such devastating outcomes.