In the quiet town of Mahopac, New York, a tragedy unfolded within a family, leaving behind a tale of anger and loss. Perla Gatchalian, a 75-year-old woman, was found deceased in her home on Coventry Circle on April 27, 2017. Gatchalian, who lived with her daughter's family and was a caregiver to her three grandchildren, was discovered after a neighbor, concerned by her absence, alerted the authorities. The initial investigation by the Town of Carmel Police Department quickly determined that her death was a homicide, caused by a single gunshot wound.
The search for a suspect led investigators down a path of familial connections, uncovering a bitter dispute rooted in financial disagreements. The focus of the investigation soon turned to Filippo Buffone, the 69-year-old father of Gatchalian's son-in-law. Authorities believed that anger over monetary issues had driven Buffone to commit this violent act against his in-law. The investigation involved multiple law enforcement agencies, including the New York State Police, who executed search warrants and recovered several pieces of evidence that pointed toward Buffone's involvement.
Before an arrest could be made, the case took another dark turn. On May 2, 2017, Filippo Buffone was found dead in a parking lot near his home in West Harrison, having died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The weapon believed to have been used in Gatchalian's murder was later recovered by police in Yorktown. With the death of the sole suspect, the investigation concluded that no one else was involved in the crime. The community was assured that there was no further threat, though the tragic events served as a somber reminder of how deeply personal conflicts can escalate.
