Reunion of estranged brothers in New York ends tragically with younger brother fatally shooting older sibling, police report.
In a tragic incident at a hunting cabin in upstate New York, a New York native has been charged with the fatal shooting of two of his brothers. The shootings occurred on Sunday night, and the accused, Scot Thompson, 65, now faces two counts of second-degree murder.
The incident took place around 10 p.m. on Sunday in the town of Allen. The victims, Mark Thompson, 70, and David Thompson, 69, were reportedly involved in a physical altercation with Scot, culminating in the deadly confrontation. State police disclosed that the three brothers had reunited for a weekend trip, despite previous estrangements. Scot and David resided in Florida, while Mark made his home in Canterbury, Connecticut. The three siblings, originally from Dansville, New York, had been staying at the cabin for a couple of days prior to the incident.
Witness accounts indicate that the tensions among the brothers escalated over the weekend, potentially leading to the altercation. Following the incident, one of the brothers was able to call 911 for assistance. However, when law enforcement arrived at the isolated location, they discovered that both Mark and David had succumbed to their injuries.
In the aftermath of the shootings, Scot Thompson fled the scene in his brother David’s vehicle. Authorities quickly launched a search, which culminated in his apprehension approximately one hour later by the Livingston County Sheriff’s Office and Geneseo Police Department. Reports state that Scot surrendered peacefully when confronted by law enforcement.
Trooper James O’Callaghan remarked that the events appear to be the result of “sibling arguments” that escalated significantly over the course of the weekend. Currently, Scot Thompson is being held without bail at the Allegany County Jail. His initial court appearance has been scheduled for February 23, 2026.
This heartbreaking case sheds light on the complexities of familial relationships and the potential for unforeseen violence. As the legal process unfolds, the community mourns the loss of two lives and reflects on the tragic chain of events that led to this incident. The investigation continues as authorities seek to ascertain further details surrounding this case.
