Police ID Man Who Killed Himself Before Bodies Were Found: Cops

BELLPORT, NY — Police have identified the man who killed himself while fleeing police in East Patchogue Tuesday morning as William Farnum, 43.

Farnum lived in a home on Doane Avenue in Bellport, where two bodies were found when officers went to notify next of kin after his death, police said.

Farnum, according to the New York Post, had reportedly been living with the bodies of his father and sister for days. The Post said neighbors identified those found dead as Farnum's sister, Amanda, and father, James.

In addition, the Post said Farnum was on parole after being released from prison on an attempted burglary conviction.

Online court records show Farnum currently has five pending court cases.

According to Suffolk County police, on Tuesday at 10 a.m. an officer stopped the driver of a 2003 Honda Civic at the intersection of Route 112 and Montauk Highway in East Patchogue.

The driver, later identified as Farnum, pulled over and a passenger exited the vehicle before Farnum sped off, police said.

A short time later, the car crashed into a utility pole on Washington Avenue. Officers approached and found Farnum had slit his throat, police said. Officers administered first aid; the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives went to the Bellport home to notify next of kin and discovered the bodies of a man and woman inside, police said. An autopsy will be conducted by the medical examiner to determine the cause of death and identify the victims, police said.

Police are asking anyone with information on the incident to contact Suffolk County homicide squad detectives at 631-852-6392 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.