Long Island Woman Found Shot Dead Had 'Kind And Loving Heart': Family

SHIRLEY, NY — The family of a Long Island woman who was found shot dead with her boyfriend last week is being remembered by her family as a sweet girl who died tragically.

On a GoFundMe page organized to raise money for funeral and relocation expenses for 20-year-old Destiny Leinfus' family, her aunt and uncle, Wendy Gavaris and Jeff McGown, expressed how "unbelievable" it is for them to "have lost our sweet girl so tragically" and called her death an "unspeakable event."

Patch has reached out to Gavaris and McGown for comment, but a reporter was unable to make contact with the couple.

"Destiny left an impression on everyone she met — at 20 years old, her bright smile and loving, kind heart made her an absolute joy to be around," the couple wrote.

Leinfus was raised in Mastic Beach and grew up a churchgoer with her grandparents, according to the couple. She was preparing for her first semester of college, and acted and sang in local theater, alongside her younger sister, the couple wrote, adding, "She had big plans!"

"'Des' was loved by many who are mourning her loss, including her family, friends, and more," the couple wrote. "She was a bright, genuine soul; the most incredible friend and family member, and will be missed so dearly."

Leinfus and her boyfriend, Gavin Bifalco, 19, were found dead from gunshot wounds inside the Shirley home they shared with her parents Thursday night. Possibly one or both died by suicide, police said.

Detectives are investigating who fired the shots, and they "believe one or both died from self-inflicted injuries," according to a news release.

Autopsies are expected to be performed by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner's Office, police said.

Gavaris and McGown wrote that they are raising funds to help their brother's family "as they navigate a world without their beloved daughter."

"The costs of funeral and memorial services and changing homes after this tragedy rapidly increase," they wrote. "Our goal is to ease the burden on the family by allowing them the space and time to grieve without worrying about sufficient funds to lay their daughter to rest and grieve properly."

All donations will go to Leinfus' family.

"We ask for your help, kindness, and support in any way possible," Gavaris and McGown wrote. "No matter how small or big, all donations are immensely appreciated. Even just sharing this link would be deeply appreciated."

The couple thanked readers for their support.

"Please share your love, thoughts, and memories for the family," the couple wrote before ending the post, "always in our hearts, in God's eternal embrace, our heartbroken family."

So far, the GoFundMe page has raised nearly half of its $25,000 goal.

Residents in the Mastic-Shirley area have been sharing the page in support of Leinfus' family.
In one community group, a commenter described Leinfus' death as "a young and local life lost so tragically."

"Please find it in your heart to make a donation of any size as this family grieves the loss of their 20-year-old daughter," wrote Domenic Sangemino. "If you cannot contribute monetarily, please contribute by sharing this campaign."

"Rest in peace destiny," he wrote. "Our thoughts and prayers are with Josh, Tiffany, and family."
Others posted tributes to their personal Facebook pages.

Leinfus' friend, Erik Hogan, tagged her in a post, writing, "Never in a million years was this ever something I thought I’d have to write, but to my good friend — to a beautiful soul — I will miss you every day.

"I pray you’re at peace and I pray for your family, and I’ll miss you more than you will ever know, Destiny Leinfus, I love you and I hope you know that," Hogan wrote.

Leinfus' funeral arrangements are being handled by Moloney-Sinnicksons Funeral Home in Center Moriches, but they have not been set, according to its website. On a memorial page dedicated in her honor, friends left a touching comment when offering their condolences.

"We pray for the healing of your broken hearts, we pray for your peace, we pray for your Destiny," wrote Robert and Erica Herman.

GoFundMe is a Patch promotional partner.