Patrick A. Hulihan, a 48-year-old male from the Corry, Pennsylvania area, died on the night of August 11, 2024, after a family argument ended in gunfire at a home on Carter Hill Road in Wayne Township, northwest of Corry. The shooting happened at the residence of his father, Gary S. Hulihan, who was 72 at the time. What began as a verbal dispute between father and son reportedly escalated into a physical confrontation inside the home.
Investigators said Patrick followed Gary into the
house and then into a bedroom, where the confrontation centered on a firearm. During the struggle, the gun discharged, striking Patrick in the abdomen. Gary Hulihan then drove his son to Corry Memorial Hospital, where Patrick was pronounced dead a short time later. Police were notified after the shooting, and Gary was arrested that night.
Gary S. Hulihan was initially charged by Pennsylvania State Police with criminal homicide and related offenses in connection with Patrick's death. Early reports described the case as a father accused of fatally shooting his son during an argument. He was arraigned and taken to the Erie County Prison, and bond was later set at $100,000. A preliminary hearing was scheduled, then rescheduled, and in December 2024 Gary waived his preliminary hearing, allowing the case to move forward toward trial.
As the investigation continued, prosecutors reviewed additional evidence, including forensic testing, witness interviews, and video footage. That later review changed the direction of the case. Authorities concluded that the physical and forensic evidence supported Gary Hulihan's account that he acted in self-defense during a violent struggle and that the shooting did not show signs of premeditation.
On July 1, 2025, before a scheduled jury trial, the Erie County District Attorney's Office formally moved to dismiss the charges against Gary S. Hulihan. Erie County Judge David Ridge granted the motion, ending the criminal case. District Attorney Elizabeth Hirz said the evidence showed Gary Hulihan's actions met the legal standard for justified self-defense under Pennsylvania law. Prosecutors also said Patrick's family had been notified of the decision.
No other suspects were publicly identified in connection with Patrick Hulihan's death. The only known arrest was Gary S. Hulihan, Patrick's father, and those charges were ultimately dropped after prosecutors determined the fatal shooting was legally justified self-defense.
