Counseling Offered At WMC In Wake Of Murder-Suicide

VALHALLA, NY — Westchester Medical Center, which was the site Wednesday of a tragic event that ended with the death of an elderly couple, is offering counseling. A statement posted on the hospital’s website said, “We understand this is a traumatic situation for all. A crisis support team was deployed to the floor and counselors are available in the Caregiver Center for all patients, families and staff seeking support.”

Officials said the Caregiver Center will be open as long as necessary.

“As you know, safety and security are our priority and we would like to thank everyone for their response and support of our patients, families and each other today and every day,” the statement said.

Around 9:30 a.m. Wednesday, Richard DeLucia, 71, of Yorktown, took a revolver to his wife’s fourth floor room at the hospital and shot her once as she was lying in bed. He then turned the gun on himself.

Medical personnel tried to help Ann Delucia, 70, and her husband, but they both died.

Police said a note was found later Wednesday at their residence that said that Peter DeLucia was distraught over his wife’s medical issues and wanted to end her suffering.

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