Brighton lights up to honor 6th grader killed in murdersuicide
Jan 05, 2025
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) — The Town of Brighton was lit bright Sunday night to honor the young girl killed by her father in an apparent murder-suicide. Her grandmother on her mother's side was also killed by her father before he too shot and killed himself, according to police.
Child, 11, among 3 dead after Brighton murder-suicide: police
"Brighton is a small community, if something - or when something tragic happens to us we all gather to be together and to do something to show our support," said Susan Pearlberg, a neighbor.
Friday afternoon on Hollyvale Drive, Anne Mancuso was found unresponsive by officers on the porch of a home. She was rushed to the hospital but later died. Police said she had been shot multiple times. Her grandmother, Mary Liccini, and her father, Lawrence Mancuso, were both found shot dead inside.
According to police, Lawrence shot his daughter and her grandmother before turning the gun on himself.
Lawrence served as Assistant Dean for Human Resources in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations for Cornell University, a Cornell spokesperson confirmed. He went on a leave of absence in October.
"We all wanted to start the new year off feeling hopeful and for the year to come. But something as tragic as this was - just shocking and, just soul crushing and difficult to even comprehend that something like this could happen, especially in our small community," said Pearlberg. "It's been overwhelming for the past couple of days in our neighborhood."
Saturday night, the surrounding community gathered at the scene, placing flowers at a tree in their memory.
The very next day, more folks took to the neighborhood, lighting and placing luminaries that now line the streets. Those behind the endeavor announced that the idea is to light the luminaries each night for 11 consecutive days.
Anne, or Annie to those close to her, was just 11 years old when she was killed. She was a sixth grader within the Brighton Central School District.
"Some of our children who go to the middle school - what their day is going to look like tomorrow, it's going to be difficult," Pearlberg said on Sunday night.
The district announced Saturday that counseling services would be available for students and staff on their first day back to school since the incident. Monday night from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. students, their families and staff are welcome to speak with someone, and if that doesn't work, folks can reach out to the school to set up a time that does.
"It's always really important when people are going through a difficult time to gather together to give each other support, to listen to each other's pain," said Pearlberg.
As for the rest of the community, neighbors told News 8 that they were willing to help however they could, taking their pain and turning it into something positive.
"Our support, our love, our care and concern are with you," said Pearlberg. "It's incredibly overwhelming and I think the whole community just wants to wrap their arms around this family."