Authorities in Orangetown have identified the two individuals found dead in an apparent murder-suicide in Nyack as a married couple in their 50s. According to the Orangetown Police Department, the victims were 52-year-old Jeffrey M. Wright and 55-year-old Anita Lam-Wright. Their bodies were discovered inside their North Midland Avenue home on the morning of Saturday, November 1, following a welfare check request from a concerned family member.
Police said the family member reported a prior domestic dispute involving the couple, prompting officers from the Rockland County REACT Team — a specialized unit trained for high-risk situations — to respond. When authorities arrived, they made repeated attempts to contact the occupants, but there was no response. Given the concern for safety, the team entered the home to ensure no one inside was in danger.
Inside, officers discovered both Wright and Lam-Wright deceased from apparent gunshot wounds. A firearm was recovered at the scene. Preliminary findings suggested that Wright fatally shot his wife before turning the gun on himself. “Based on the evidence, it appears Mr. Wright used a shotgun located in the home. After the first act, he took his own life with the same weapon,” Orangetown Police Captain Michael Shannon said in a press statement.
The investigation remains active as detectives work alongside the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office and the Medical Examiner to determine the sequence of events. Autopsies will officially confirm the causes of death and help establish a timeline. Forensic teams are also analyzing ballistic evidence and reviewing any communications the couple may have had before the incident.
Neighbors described the Wrights as quiet, long-time residents who kept mostly to themselves. The tragedy has deeply shaken the Nyack community, with local officials urging residents to seek help if they experience domestic or emotional struggles. “This heartbreaking event is a reminder of how important it is to reach out for support before conflict escalates,” one local counselor said.
Authorities expressed condolences to the victims’ families and are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the Orangetown Police Department Detective Bureau at 845-359-2121. The department reaffirmed its commitment to mental health outreach and domestic violence prevention to help avert future tragedies.
