“My dad was a pillar in our family and every community he was a part of,” the victim’s daughter said after his death
Credit: New York State Police
NEED TO KNOW
- A New York man allegedly killed his father and set his home on fire on Thursday, Aug. 6
- Following a days-long manhunt, Thomas Ryan was taken into custody by authorities on Aug. 9
- “My dad was a pillar in our family and every community he was a part of,” the victim’s daughter said after his death
A New York man has been arrested days after he allegedly killed his father and set his home on fire.
On Thursday, Aug. 6, New York State Police responded to a structure fire at a residence in Greenville at around 7:30 p.m local time, officials said in a news release. After the fire was extinguished, the body of a deceased male was located inside the home.
A preliminary investigation later found that the fire was deliberately set, leading investigators to determine that the man’s death was a homicide.
Following the incident, police began searching for Thomas Ryan in connection with the fire. He was last seen in the area of the Greenville Turnpike wearing black sweatpants and a black T-shirt before fleeing in the victim’s car, authorities said.
Credit: New York State Police
“We are asking the public to remain vigilant and immediately report any sighting of Ryan or the victim’s gray 2016 Toyota Prius,” police stated in an initial news release the day after the fire.
They added at the time, “Thomas Ryan should be considered armed and dangerous.”
Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.
On Saturday, Aug. 8, police revealed that the victim killed in the fire was identified as Ryan’s 70-year-old father, Robert Ryan.
“My dad was a pillar in our family and every community he was a part of,” Stephanie Coiro, the victim’s daughter, told ABC News after his death.
“He made you feel welcome, he helped when you needed, and then some,” she added of her dad. “He had more character in his pinky than most in their whole bodies. He did not deserve this.”
Coiro also told ABC News that her brother has had lifelong mental health issues and said he had stopped taking his medication.
Ring video obtained by the outlet appears to show Ryan running from the burning house.
Credit: New York State Police
“Thomas Ryan did not reside with his father at the time of the incident and has no other known current ties to the Greenville community,” police said in their news release.
They added, “Investigators have determined that Thomas has lived a transient lifestyle, staying at numerous shelters throughout New York State.”
In the early hours of Sunday, Aug. 9, Ryan was taken into custody following a three-day manhunt.
“The active search in the Gilboa area of Schoharie County has concluded,” police wrote on Facebook. “The New York State Police thanks the public and our law enforcement partners for their assistance.”
It is not immediately clear if Ryan has been charged or if he has legal representation to comment on his behalf.
Read the full article here
