by West Babylon, NY – A shocking incident unfolded in a Long Island retirement community when Kathleen Schuman, 76, allegedly shot her male neighbor in the face with a flare gun following a verbal dispute. The confrontation reportedly started over a request to keep a cat indoors.
The victim, Richard Catrone, 67, suffered injuries requiring six stitches and both individuals were treated for non-life-threatening injuries after the altercation. Schuman has been arrested and charged with second-degree assault causing injury with a weapon, with her next court hearing scheduled for September 12.
The Incident That Sparked the Flare Gun Shooting
The altercation took place on September 8 in the Belmont Villas Senior Apartments, a complex for residents aged 55 and older in West Babylon, New York. According to Suffolk County Police Department records and eyewitness accounts, the disagreement began when Mr. Catrone politely asked Ms. Schuman to keep her cat inside.
Neighbors reportedly described an ongoing feud between the two over their pets. Mary Neitzel, a neighbor, told NBC New York that Mr. Catrone had been persistently harassing Ms. Schuman, who had even moved out temporarily due to the conflict.
- The dispute escalated to Ms. Schuman allegedly firing a flare gun at Mr. Catrone from close range.
- Security camera footage captured the moment the flare was fired, showing Mr. Catrone’s stunned reaction and his subsequent physical response.
- Mr. Catrone grabbed Ms. Schuman by the hair and struck her head, shouting at her in frustration.
“I just asked her can you keep the cat inside and that started the situation,” said Mr. Catrone, describing how a simple request turned volatile.
Legal Proceedings and Community Reactions
Following the incident, Kathleen Schuman was arrested and charged with second-degree assault with an incendiary weapon. She pleaded not guilty during her arraignment on September 9, with bail set at $5,000 cash and a court order to stay away from the victim.
The management company for the retirement community, Conifer LLC, issued a statement emphasizing that:
“This was an isolated incident between individuals and unrelated to the community itself. We are cooperating fully with law enforcement as they handle the matter. The safety and well-being of our residents remain our top priority.”
While Ms. Schuman denies the allegations, Mr. Catrone maintains that the dispute was sparked by his complaints about her cat upsetting his dog, which he reported to property managers prior to the incident.
- Both residents live within a 55-plus community designed for senior residents.
- Both were hospitalized but sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
- Police investigations remain ongoing as they continue to gather evidence, including reviewing security footage.
What Does This Incident Mean for Retirement Communities?
This rare and disturbing incident highlights challenges that can arise within tightly-knit senior living environments, especially involving pet-related disputes. Experts stress the importance of conflict resolution and community management to prevent such escalations.
With an aging population increasingly choosing retirement communities, maintaining a safe and harmonious living space is critical. Management companies may need to revisit policies concerning pet ownership, noise, and resident disputes to enhance community well-being.
For More Information and Ongoing Coverage
Detailed reports and security footage of the incident have been shared by NBC 4 New York and other media outlets. For continual updates on this case and other crime stories, you can sign up for PEOPLE’s True Crime newsletter.
Key Facts at a Glance:
- Date of Incident: September 8, 2024
- Location: Belmont Villas Senior Apartments, West Babylon, NY
- Victim: Richard Catrone, 67
- Accused: Kathleen Schuman, 76
- Charge: Second-degree assault with a weapon (incendiary device)
- Injuries: Six stitches for victim; non-life-threatening injuries for both
- Next Hearing: September 12, 2024
What do you think about this alarming incident in a senior living community? Have you witnessed or experienced similar disputes? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
