Police: Retired NYPD officer, wife dead in apparent murder-suicide in Yonkers

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The Yonkers Police Department says it is investigating an apparent murder-suicide that occurred early Wednesday. Police say they received a report of an unconscious person in a home at 142 Chittenden Ave. Once they arrived, officers say they located the body of a male with a gunshot wound to his head and a female with several gunshot wounds to her body. Police say that first responders attempted lifesaving measures on the female, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. Officials identified the male as 54-year-old Sean O'Neil, a retired NYPD police officer. The female was identified as 47-year-old Arlene O'Neill, a teacher in the Eastchester Union Free School District. "She was wonderful, had been here for 20 years, everyone loved her," says Marie Barrentine whose grandson goes to the school where Arlene taught. Arlene taught fifth grade at Anne Hutchinson School. She had been working with the district for 20 years. She was loved by many. Officials say the couple has three children, who were home at the time of the incident. They were not physically harmed. Neighbors are completely shaken up and shocked by what happened. "It's so sad, so sad. It's tough for the neighborhood, it's tough for the family and especially the kids," says Ed Pagano, who lives down the street. Melanie Palmer coverage from October 16, 2024 Leaders with the Eastchester Union Free School District say they have mobilized their crisis team to help students, faculty and staff during this difficult time. The Annunciation Church in Yonkers will be holding a special Mass Thursday at 7 p.m. Officials with the parish say they are devastated by what happened. If you or someone you know needs help, the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is available 24/7. You can call or text 988. More details on the resources available are here. "