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Details Emerge, But Questions Remain In Harrison Double Murder-Suicide

HARRISON, N.Y. -- Harrison police continue to investigate a double murder-suicide that resulted in the death of two teenage girls and their 52-year-old father.

Glen Hochman with daughters Deanna, center, and Alissa, and two of the family's three dogs also killed in Saturday's tragedy.

Glen Hochman with daughters Deanna, center, and Alissa, and two of the family's three dogs also killed in Saturday's tragedy.

Photo Credit: Facebook
Glen Hochman, 52, a retired police officer from Harrison murdered his two youngest daughters and three family dogs before killing himself on Saturday.

Glen Hochman, 52, a retired police officer from Harrison murdered his two youngest daughters and three family dogs before killing himself on Saturday.

Photo Credit: Facebook
The Hochman home at 1 Adelphi Ave. in Harrison.

The Hochman home at 1 Adelphi Ave. in Harrison.

Photo Credit: Skip Pearlman

Police said Glen Hochman, who retired last month from the White Plains Police Department after 20 years, shot his youngest daughters and three family dogs before killing himself about 3:50 p.m. Saturday.

Hochman's wife, Anamarie DiPietro-Hochman, and their oldest daughter, Samantha, were not home when police were called to 1 Adelphia Ave., Harrison.

Harrison Police Chief Anthony Marraccini told lohud.com on Sunday that a weapon was recovered from the crime scene but did not elaborate. The Westchester County Medical Examiner's Office has yet to release exact causes of death.

The bodies of Alissa Hochman, 17, a senior at Harrison High School, and her 13-year-old sister, Deanna, a seventh-grade student at Windward School in White Plains, were found in the main level of the house, according to reports. Hochman's body was reportedly found in the garage. The New York Post, citing sources, said Hochman left a suicide note.

Alissa was an active member of Harrison Emergency Medical Services and the Larchmont Volunteer Fire Department Explorer program, and worked for Powell Catering in Harrison.

Hochman's wife and oldest daughter were away at the Mohegan Sun Casino at the time of the shootings, News 12 reported. News 12 also reported the Hochmans were having marital problems.

Last year, Hochman received the White Plains Police Department's Life Saving Award after he and a second officer gave a unresponsive man CPR. He injured his ankle on the job in May when he fell while helping a disabled motorist. The injury required surgery and Hochman missed four months of work. 

Harrison Schools Superintendent Louis Wool posted a statement on the school district web site Saturday night that said: "With great sadness our district mourns the death of high school senior Alissa Hochman, and her younger sister Deanna both lost to incomprehensible tragedy."

Counselors were available for students and families Sunday at Harrison High School.

John Russell, head of the Windward School, said the community was devastated by the loss. "We mourn their passing and offer our heartfelt condolences to their family,'' Russell said.

Dante Garritano Sr. of 9 Adelphia Ave. told reporters he saw the flashing lights and heard someone screaming and crying loudly. "I can't understand, no matter what problems that you have (taking them) out on your children,'' Garritano told lohud.com. "I have two children. I'd step out in front of a train for them."

David Chong, White Plains' public safety commissioner, said in a statement that the White Plains Police Department "is shocked and horrified by the news of this tragic event. We can only pray for the Hochman family."

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