Yonkers Police Department Investigates Apparent Murder-Suicide

142 Chittenden Avenue, Google Maps

At just after 7:00 AM on October 16, 2024, the Yonkers Police Department received a report of an unconscious person in a home located at 142 Chittenden Avenue in this City. Upon arrival, units located two adults- one male, apparently deceased, with a gunshot wound to his head, and one female with several gunshot wounds to her body. First responders attempted life-saving measures on the female, who unfortunately succumbed to her wounds and was pronounced deceased on the scene. The male is identified as 54-year-old Sean O’Neill, and the female is identified as 47-year-old Arlene O’Neill.

Detectives from the Major Case Squad and Crime Scene Unit responded to the scene to investigate. The investigation yielded that this was an apparent murder-suicide between a husband and wife who resided at that location. Investigators determined that a dispute took place, resulting in Sean O’Neill shooting Arlene O’Neill multiple times with a handgun before turning the weapon on himself.

Sean O’Neill was identified as a retired NYPD Police Officer, and Arlene O’Neill was identified as a teacher in the Eastchester Union Free School District. The couple has three children who were home at the time of the incident but were physically unharmed. They are currently in the custody of family members.

The City of Yonkers and the Yonkers Police Department extend our condolences to the family and friends of the O’Neill family.

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or contemplating harming yourself, please dial 9-8-8 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.