Family Tragedy Unfolds in New York Park: Man Murders Grandfather, Then Himself

A 24-year-old man fatally shot his 80-year-old grandfather and then committed suicide Thursday, prompting police to evacuate and block a New York state park for several hours while they searched for him.

Andrew Vahey, 24, died on a hiking route in Letchworth State Park as police officers closed in during a search involving many law enforcement agencies along the Genesee River, Irondequoit Police Chief Scott Peters said at an evening press conference.

Vahey was wanted for the shooting death of his grandfather, Joseph Deponceau, who was discovered at his Irondequoit home by police responding to a 911 call earlier that day, according to Peters.

Vahey’s roommate informed police that he got texts from Vahey “that said he had just killed his grandfather and was now going to kill himself,” Peters stated as per NBCNEWS.

At around 12:30 p.m., law enforcement authorities observed Vahey in the park with a long gun and attempted to make contact, but he instantly turned the pistol on himself, according to the chief.

He stated that Vahey and Deponceau had lately battled about the property, and authorities were summoned to Deponceau’s home last week during a family disagreement over parking on the grass.