Grandparent Murder-Suicide: Mahopac Woman Killed by In-Law

CARMEL, NY — An angry family dispute led to the murder of Mahopac resident Perla Gatchalian. The person who killed her was her daughter's father-in-law, a West Harrison resident. He then killed himself, according to Carmel police.

Gatchalian's body was found April 27 on Coventry Circle in Mahopac. She had died of an apparent gunshot wound, police said.

A subsequent police investigation, led by the Town of Carmel Police Department resulted in the execution of several search warrants, the recovery of numerous items of evidence, and a determination that Gatchalian was killed by her daughter’s 69-year old father-in-law.

Before Filippo Buffone could be arrested, he shot and killed himself Tuesday in a parking lot off Park Avenue near his residence in Harrison, NY.

Police recovered the suspected murder weapon off the Route 6 corridor in Yorktown on Tuesday, Carmel Police Chief Mike Cazzari said at a Wednesday press conference.

Gatchalian lived with her daughter's family and looked after her three grandchildren.

Filippo Buffone was angry about financial matters, according to police.

While the investigation is still continuing, there is no indication at this time that anyone else was involved in Gatchalian’s death, Carmel police said.

The Carmel Police Department thanked the New York State Police and their Major Crimes Unit for their invaluable assistance in the investigation; the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office for resources and support; the Putnam County District Attorney’s Office for their legal guidance; the Harrison and Yorktown Police Department’s for their assistance in recovering key pieces of evidence; and the Town of Carmel Highway Dept. for assisting officers in searching for evidence; and community and business owners who came forward with information.