GOSHEN, N.Y. -- Early Saturday morning, Orange County Police received a call regarding an apparent murder-suicide at 7 Finnegan Lane in the town of Goshen. According to the state police, the suspect Patrick Sorrentino, was a retired deputy chief from the Newburgh Police Department. Police said he fatally shot 55-year-old Marie Gianonne while she was heading to the gym.
"He surprised her as she was getting into her car. He opened fire on her striking her several times and then within seconds he walked about 30 feet just into the woodline and discharged one round taking his own life," said New York State Police Troop F Lt. Michael Drake.
According to state police, the pair had a romantic relationship that lasted for a year and half but it ended in August. Sorrentino did not handle the breakup well and became withdrawn.
"I think what ends up happening is from what we can tell in the investigation is that over time he allowed that to get the best of him and the more he thought about it and when you can't live without somebody or you believe you can't live without somebody these are the drastic measures that you take, unfortunately," Drake said.
Neighbors told police they did not hear any arguments prior to the shots being fired and police say there did not appear to be any signs of struggle.
City of Newburgh Police Chief Daniel Cameron said Sorrentino was hired in 1983 and retired in 2007. In a statement Cameron said, "It saddens us that Patrick Sorrentino took the life of an innocent person prior to taking his own. Our hearts go out to everyone that is grieving from this senseless act."