An 11-year-old girl and her grandmother were tragically killed by the girl’s father, who then took his own life. The Brighton Police Department responded to a call on the morning of January 3 about a female found unresponsive on the porch of a house at 50 Hollyvale Drive. The girl, later identified as Anne Mancuso (also known as Annie), was taken to Strong Memorial Hospital but sadly died from gunshot wounds.
After further investigation, the police found a bullet hole in a window at the nearby 60 Hollyvale Drive. Inside, they discovered the bodies of Anne’s father, 53-year-old Lawrence Mancuso, and her 74-year-old grandmother, Mary Liccini. Police concluded that Lawrence Mancuso was responsible for the deaths of both Anne and her mother before taking his own life.
Anne’s school district, Brighton Central School District, remembered her as a kind and sweet sixth grader who was loved by her friends and teachers. She was described as a thoughtful and caring student who made everyone feel special.
Anne’s friend’s mother, Ashley Baker, shared that Anne was the first friend her daughter made at school. Anne helped her daughter feel comfortable and supported when they first met.
To honor Anne, neighbors are holding a vigil and lighting candles for her every day for eleven days. They are showing love and support to her family, as this tragedy has shocked their tight-knit community. One neighbor, Susan Pearlberg, expressed how difficult it is to understand such a heartbreaking event, especially in a small town.
