The heartbreaking final text messages from the Long Island woman killed by her brother in a horrific murder-suicide reveal she was celebrating her 64th birthday when she was fatally shot.
Tina Hammond was visiting her late mother’s home on Sunday when she was shot and killed by her brother Joe DeLucia, 59, along with her siblings Frank DeLucia, Joanna Kearns, 69, and Tina’s daughter Victoria, 30.
Killer DeLucia is said to have been struggling to come to terms with the death of his 95-year-old mother, Theresa Martha De Lucia, and was fearful of losing the family home where he had lived all his life. Former co-workers today described the car technician, who was a known hoarder, as “kind”, “respectful” and “a good employee”.
Horrifying screenshots obtained by DailyMail.com show Tina had responded to a text message from her friend and neighbour Randi Marquis wishing her a happy birthday 15 minutes before her death.
Tina Hammond was celebrating her 64th birthday on Sunday when she was shot and killed by her brother Joe De Lucia, 59, along with his brother Frank DeLucia, also 64, her daughter Victoria, 30, and her sister Joanna Kearns, 69.
Shocking screenshots show Hammond had responded to a happy birthday message from her friend Randi Marquis just 15 minutes before she died.
On Sunday at 11:35 a.m., Randi texted Tina to say, “Happy birthday! Make sure no one eats lunch.”
In response, Tina wrote at 11.38am: ‘Thanks I’ll be at mum’s in 5 minutes thanks so much Randy lol I’ll tell them.’
Texts exchanged between Randi and DeLucia last week show how Randi had attempted to comfort the killer before the tragic incident.
After being told of Theresa’s death, Randi told DeLucia, “I’m really sad to hear that, Joe. I was actually thinking about you last night because I didn’t see your car and I thought you were going to see it with your mom and that made me happy.
“I will miss her very much. She was a genuine and wonderful woman. God bless her and let me know if you need anything.”
Joe simply replied, “Thank you.”
He later promised Randi he would eat something, adding, “I will. I need to take a nap. I haven’t slept in a while.”
DeLucia reportedly suffered from mental health issues and was born with the umbilical cord wrapped around his neck, depriving him of oxygen.
An exclusive image obtained by DailyMail.com shows DeLucia’s driver’s license photo.
Texts exchanged between Randi and DeLucia last week show how Randi had attempted to comfort the killer before the tragic incident.
Her mental state is said to have plummeted after family matriarch Theresa died on August 19 and was buried on Friday.
Sources told DailyMail.com that DeLucia was $45,000 in debt and was struggling with the prospect of selling his family home.
Police said a search of the home found psychiatric medications, along with a 12-gauge pump-action shotgun that DeLucia purchased legally.
Detective Capt. Stephen Fitzpatrick said neighbors said DeLucia told them: “If you hear gunshots, don’t bother calling 911, it will be too late.”
But today, DeLucia’s former co-workers at Advantage Hyundai in Hicksville, where he had worked for eight years, expressed disbelief at the news.
Ring Camera footage from Randi’s home on August 20 shows Tina (right) with her daughter Victoria in the neighborhood the day after the family matriarch, Theresa, died.
Joseph Gentile, the dealership’s general counsel, told DailyMail.com: “He was a good employee.
“He came to work every day. He had no problems with his colleagues, his boss, or even his clients.”
“It’s incomprehensible. We know that he loved his mother and that he often spoke about her with people. He had told people that his mother was ill, but this is a shock.”
He added: “He was a well-mannered person, respectful and diligent in his work. It was a total tragedy.”
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