Man found dead in suicide murdered woman in Mahopac, police say

MAHOPAC, New York (WABC) -- Police say a man found dead in an apparent suicide in Harrison was responsible for the death of 75-year-old woman in Mahopac.

The Carmel Police Department confirmed Wednesday that 69-year old Filippo Buffone, who killed himself Tuesday, murdered Perla Gatchalian.

Chief Michael Cazzari said police believe the motive is rooted in some type of financial issues.

Gatchalian was found dead in her Mahopac home on April 27. The medical examiner ruled that her death was a homicide.

Buffone is the father of Gatchalian's daughter's husband. He was found dead, shot in the head, around dawn, in a car in a social club parking lot.

His body was a few hundred feet away from his West Harrison home.

Cazzari said Buffone was identified as the prime suspect within 24 hours of Gatchalian's death.