A 66-year-old man shot and seriously injured a woman before taking his own life at his residence in Ridge, Suffolk County, on Saturday, February 15, 2023, according to police. Gerard Senatore, the shooter, reportedly fired at the 68-year-old woman, who was also a resident of the home, before barricading himself inside, prompting emergency responses.
Emergency services received the 911 call reporting the shooting at 12:56 p.m. from 28 Woodbrook Drive. Upon arrival, officers discovered the woman had sustained serious injuries from two gunshot wounds. She was airlifted by helicopter to a local hospital for urgent medical care, as police indicated her condition required immediate attention.
Senatore remained inside the house armed, refusing to communicate with officers for over four hours. A heavy police presence quickly surrounded the neighborhood, blocking access and urging residents to stay indoors as they attempted to establish contact with Senatore. Police negotiators repeatedly called out to him, saying, "[Jerry,] this is the Suffolk County Police Department. We need to speak with you. Please come outside," over the noise of sirens.
Eventually, at approximately 3:30 p.m., following unsuccessful attempts to contact Senatore, police used armored vehicles to breach the front door of the two-story home. Inside, they discovered Senatore deceased from what authorities described as a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Neighbors expressed shock and sadness at the incident, which disrupted the typically quiet residential area. One unidentified neighbor mentioned, "It’s just sad all around," reflecting the community’s feelings over the tragic event. The stillness of the neighborhood had been interrupted by the loud presence of law enforcement and the inevitable crime scene tape marking the area.
Emily Commins, another neighbor, indicated the area was typically peaceful and characterized Senatore and his wife as "quiet, friendly" people who maintained their property well. "We’d wave to each other," she noted, emphasizing the unexpected nature of the violent episode. Commins added, “Usually he [Senatore] came out, shovels his driveway and prunes his plants. Nothing was out of place.” This stark transformation from day-to-day normalcy to violence has left the community reeling.
According to public records, Gerard Senatore had previously worked as a corrections officer for the Suffolk County Sheriff’s Office, with records showing he last appeared on the county payroll in 2014. This history has led to discussions within the community about how the pressures from past roles could have played out during the tragic turn of events.
The Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad is continuing the investigation, asking anyone with information to reach out to them at 631-852-6392. The response to this tragic incident emphasizes the larger issues of gun violence and the mental health challenges facing many individuals today.
While the exact motive behind Senatore's actions remains unclear, the incident has renewed conversations about public safety and the necessary actions needed to prevent such occurrences in the future. Residents hope law enforcement and community leaders will address the brewing concerns within the neighborhood to restore some sense of normalcy.
Tragedies like this often prompt discussions on mental health resources and gun control policies as communities grapple with the reality of violence and its aftermath. Such incidents may invoke systemic reviews of mental health support systems for individuals exhibiting potential signs of distress and violence.
This situation serves as both a grim reminder of the potential for violence within neighborhoods once perceived as safe, and as a wake-up call for urgent reform and dialogue around gun control and mental health awareness. The community of Ridge will undoubtedly take time to process the impact of this tragic event.