Authorities in Suffolk County are investigating a tragic case of an apparent murder-suicide that unfolded in a quiet Islip neighborhood, sending shockwaves through the local community.
According to police reports, the incident involved 73-year-old William Clifford, a seasoned tugboat captain, and his 68-year-old wife, Eileen Clifford. Officials believe that William fatally shot Eileen inside their home before turning the gun on himself in the front yard.
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The disturbing discovery was made early in the morning when Islip town sanitation workers were conducting their routine garbage collection. Around 6:30 a.m., they came upon a male body lying motionless on the driveway outside 4 Parsons Landing.
One of the workers, who had been trained in CPR, approached the individual in an attempt to assist but quickly realized that the victim was beyond help. Without hesitation, he called 911 to alert authorities to the grim scene.
Suffolk County Police officers from the 3rd Precinct promptly responded to the emergency call and arrived at the location shortly thereafter. Upon arrival, officers confirmed the presence of a deceased male with a gunshot wound and a firearm resting near his feet.
Their investigation then led them inside the residence, where they discovered the lifeless body of Eileen Clifford. Like her husband, she had also suffered a fatal gunshot wound.
The Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad has taken the lead in the investigation, working to establish a clear timeline of events and uncover potential motives behind the tragic incident.
Detective Lieutenant Kevin Beyrer provided initial details on the case, explaining that based on preliminary findings, authorities suspect that William Clifford shot his wife inside the home before stepping outside and ending his own life.
Neighbors in the normally serene residential area expressed their shock and grief upon learning of the apparent murder-suicide. Many described the couple as long-time residents who generally kept to themselves but were always seen maintaining their home and yard.
Some neighbors reported hearing loud noises the previous night but did not immediately recognize them as gunshots. Others expressed regret that they had no indication of any domestic strife leading up to the tragedy.
Authorities have not yet disclosed whether the couple had a known history of domestic disputes or whether there were any prior calls for police intervention at the residence. Investigators are also working to determine if any external factors, such as financial difficulties or health concerns, could have played a role in the incident.
As the investigation continues, forensic teams are combing through evidence at the scene, and detectives are interviewing friends, relatives, and neighbors in an attempt to gain further insight into the circumstances leading up to the fatal shootings. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office is expected to conduct autopsies to officially confirm the causes of death.
Meanwhile, the tragedy has left the Islip community shaken, with many questioning what may have driven a seemingly ordinary couple to such a heartbreaking end. Grief counselors and support services have been made available to those affected by the incident, and police have urged anyone with relevant information to come forward.
