NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A Far Rockaway man was indicted on murder and other charges after he allegedly shot his mother and sister in the family’s home, and then started a fire that killed their dog and cat, prosecutors announced Friday.
Just before noon on July 25, Kegan Thomas allegedly used a shotgun to kill his 66-year-old mother, Clemer Ponce, and his 29-year-old sister, Selena Ponce, inside their first-floor apartment at 25-33 Ocean Crest Blvd, the Queens District Attorney’s Office said.
According to police, a 911 call came in from Thomas’ wife, who said that her husband was armed, had a history of mental illness and was saying “kill them.”
Thomas was outside when officers responded, but officials said he went back inside as they approached.
When the responders knocked on the door and ordered him to come out, they heard an explosion erupt from inside the home, and smoke and fire began to billow from the building. Thomas exited again, this time in a black hat and tactical vest, carrying a shotgun, prosecutors said.
Prosecutors allege that he pointed the shotgun in the direction of the officers, and when he failed to follow commands to put his hands in the air, the responders discharged their weapons, striking him. He was transported for medical care and survived his injuries.
Thomas, 33, was arraigned Friday on charges of murder, attempted murder, arson, criminal possession of a weapon and aggravated cruelty to animals. He is expected back in court on Jan. 15, and prosecutors said that if convicted, he faces life in prison without the possibility of parole.
