IRONDEQUOIT, NY – Tragedy struck a New York family when an 80-year-old man was shot dead in his home by his grandson, who subsequently took his own life as police closed in, authorities confirmed.

Early Thursday morning, the Irondequoit Police Department rushed to a scene of horror where a panicking voice had reported “blood everywhere.” Police Chief Scott Peters briefed reporters on the grim discovery at the residence: Joseph Deponceau, an octogenarian, had been killed by a gunshot wound.

A woman, identified as the girlfriend of the deceased, was at the scene. Although physically unharmed, she relayed the chilling events to the officers. She named Andrew Vahey, Deponceau’s 24-year-old grandson, as the assailant. The police acted swiftly, moving to locate Vahey at his residence.

Despite establishing a perimeter around Vahey’s home, officers received disturbing news: Vahey’s roommate revealed an ominous text message from the suspect, confessing to the murder and stating his intent to commit suicide. With Vahey on the run, his imminent threat spurred an urgent response.

As the search broadened, teams converged in Letchworth State Park, where Vahey’s vehicle was spotted. What ensued was a widespread eviction and closure of the park as authorities hunted for the suspect. When police finally encountered Vahey, armed and isolated, any hope for a peaceful resolution evaporated as he ended his life before they could reach him.

Peters, who provided the narrative of events, remarked somberly on the dual loss experienced by the family, mourning both their patriarch and his troubled grandson.

The motive behind this domestic horror appeared trivial—a dispute over property—but the tensions between Vahey and his grandfather had recently ignited over mundane matters like parking. Police had responded to such a quarrel just a week prior, unaware it would escalate to a deadly climax.

The community remains in shock as the investigation continues to piece together the events leading up to this family tragedy.