BRIGHTON, N.Y. (WROC) — A Brighton father killed his 11-year-old daughter and her grandmother Friday morning before killing himself, according to police. Authorities announced Saturday evening they responded to 50 Hollyvale Drive Friday afternoon after receiving reports about the young girl unresponsive on the porch.
The girl, later identified as Anne Mancuso, was rushed to the hospital where she succumbed to gunshot wounds. Police stated Lawrence Mancuso, 53, shot both Anne and her grandmother, Mary Liccini, before taking his own life. Bullet holes were found at 60 Hollyvale Drive, where the incident occurred.
Brighton Police Department confirmed the investigation is complete. The father lived on Eastbrook Lane, the grandmother was from Avon, and the daughter lived on Hollyvale Drive.
News 8 reached out to Brighton Central School District for comments, and they expressed deep sorrow and horror over the tragedy. Superintendent Kevin McGowan shared, “Dear BCSD Family, there are no words. I write to you with an extremely heavy heart and without the ability to accurately convey our sorrow, our horror, and our empathy in this moment.”
McGowan continued, denouncing the acts of domestic violence, stating, “Annie was known to her friends and teachers as a kind, sweet, and beautiful person.” He described the disruption to the community, noting, “The peaceful tranquility of a winter morning was brutally broken yesterday... The circumstances would be unimaginable if they weren’t real. They are the very definition of unexplainable, surreal, and tragic.”
The school district mobilized counseling support for students and families. They announced support sessions scheduled for Sunday and Monday, and ensured resources would be accessible to help cope with the tragedy's impact. McGowan emphasized the importance of community support, stating, “We’re here if you need it.”
The vigil for Anne and her grandmother drew community members together to grieve, representing unity and shared sorrow for the lives lost to domestic violence. Local support services, led by school staff, offered solace as residents confronted this shocking episode of violence.
While the motives behind Lawrence Mancuso's actions remain unclear, the impact resonates deeply with those left behind, especially Anne’s family and friends during this devastating moment.
Brighton’s tragedy serves as both a reminder of the potential for violence and the urgent need for discussions surrounding domestic issues. The community's response has underscored the importance of addressing mental health and providing support for those affected by violence.
Emphasizing the “helpers” as Mr. Rogers suggested, the community and school officials prepared to lend support, recognizing the excruciations they must face together. They advocate finding ways to provide comfort during this horror and extending their empathy toward Annie’s family.
The heartbreaking experience during this time invites reflection on the need for awareness and prevention efforts surrounding domestic violence, ensuring safety for all families within the community.