GoFundMe launched for three Irish American boys after parents' apparent murder-suicide

Arlene Connolly O'Neill has been remembered as "fearless" and "kind" in a GoFundMe for her three sons after she was killed by her husband Sean O'Neill in an apparent murder-suicide at her Yonkers, New York home on Wednesday, October 16.

Yonkers Police Department said on Wednesday that just after 7 am that morning, they received a report of an unconscious person at 142 Chittenden Avenue in Yonkers.

Upon arrival, police located two adults - 54-year-old Sean O'Neill and his wife, 47-year-old Arlene O'Neill.

Sean was located apparently deceased with a gunshot wound to his head, while Arlene had several gunshot wounds to her body.

Police said first responders attempted life-saving measures on Arlene, who "unfortunately succumbed to her wounds and was pronounced deceased on the scene."

Detectives from the Major Case Squad and Crime Scene Unit responded and after investigating, determined that it was "an apparent murder-suicide between a husband and wife who resided at that location."

Yonkers Police added: "Investigators determined that a dispute took place, resulting in Sean O’Neill shooting Arlene O’Neill multiple times with a handgun before turning the weapon on himself."

Police said Sean O'Neill was a retired NYPD Police Officer, while Arlene O'Neill was a teacher in the Eastchester Union Free School District.

"The couple has three children who were home at the time of the incident but were physically unharmed," police said. "They are currently in the custody of family members."

Yonkers Police added: “If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis or contemplating harming yourself, please dial 9-8-8 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.”

A friend of the O'Neill family has since launched a GoFundMe page to benefit the couple’s three young sons.

On the fundraising page, Marie Milio described Arlene Connolly O'Neill as a "truly remarkable individual," a "dedicated, hard-working teacher for over 25 years in the Eastchester School District," as well as a "fearless mother, a thoughtful sister, and a kind friend."

Milio wrote that Arlene "has spent countless hours shaping the minds of her students, all while raising her three incredible boys - Sean (15), Brendan (13), and Nolan (11) - who were her greatest pride and joy.

"Arlene exemplified strength, kindness, and resilience. She poured her heart into both her classroom and her home, always putting others before herself.

"Arlene’s life was tragically taken on October 16, 2024. Her boys will now face the challenge of growing up without their rock, their advocate, and their best friend.

"Your generous contributions will go directly towards Sean, Brendan, and Nolan’s education, their talents in both music and sports that Arlene worked so hard to encourage and support.

"Every donation, no matter how small, will make a difference in the lives of her boys."

The GoFundMe page has raised more than $79,000 in less than a day, surpassing its original target of $75,000. The donations are steadily growing.