Kegan Thomas, 33, has been charged with murder, attempted murder, arson, aggravated cruelty to animals, and criminal possession of a weapon in connection with a violent incident that occurred Saturday afternoon in Far Rockaway, Queens.
Police allege Thomas fatally shot his mother, Clemer Ponce, 56, in the chest, and his sister, Selema Ponce, 28, in the shoulder inside their shared home. Shortly after, as officers approached the residence, a large explosion erupted from the house. Thomas, who was wearing a bulletproof vest, was shot by police after allegedly failing to comply with commands to drop his weapon. He was taken to Jamaica Hospital and remains in critical but stable condition.
The accused killer faces an animal cruelty charge because a dog and a cat died of smoke inhalation during the explosion and fire, according to authorities.
Thomas's wife reportedly called 911, stating that Thomas, who has a history of mental illness, had killed the two women and warned authorities that her husband possessed a shotgun. Assistant Chief Christopher McIntosh stated that officers from the NYPD’s Emergency Services Unit were preparing to enter the home when the explosion occurred.
According to McIntosh, neighbors reported that Thomas had exhibited erratic behavior and that domestic violence was a frequent occurrence at the residence. Police records do not indicate any prior criminal history or mental health history with the NYPD for Thomas. The timing of his arraignment was not immediately clear.