SCHOHARIE COUNTY — New York State Police took Thomas David Ryan into custody in the Gilboa area of Schoharie County. The 32-year-old is a suspect in the homicide of his father, Robert Ryan, and police determined that he intentionally set fire to his father's residence.

Emergency crews responded to a structure fire at the residence on Greenville Turnpike in the town of Greenville, Orange County, on the evening of August 6. Investigators found the 70-year-old victim deceased inside the home. The preliminary investigation revealed the fire was deliberately set, and State Police are investigating Robert Ryan’s death as a homicide.

Robert Ryan had recently picked up Thomas David Ryan after receiving a call for assistance, bringing him to the Greenville home hours before the fatal incident. Police stated that Thomas David Ryan did not live with his father at the time of the incident. Authorities also noted that the suspect had no other known current ties to the Greenville community, which is a rural community located about 65 miles northwest of New York City.

Following the incident, investigators determined that Thomas David Ryan fled the area in a gray 2016 Toyota Prius with New York license plate HNH-7671. Ring camera video appears to show Thomas David Ryan running from his father's house. During the search, police warned that Thomas David Ryan should be considered armed and dangerous.

Investigators said Thomas David Ryan lived a transient lifestyle and stayed at numerous shelters throughout New York. He has known ties to the Plattsburgh area near the Canadian border. Police said Thomas David Ryan has seven prior arrests in New York City. Records indicate that Thomas David Ryan is on probation until April 2028.

Stephanie Coiro is the daughter of Robert Ryan and the sister of Thomas David Ryan. She stated that her brother has severe mental illness and becomes dangerous when off his medication. Coiro stated that her family had been trying to get her brother help for his mental illness but encountered roadblocks.

Officials said Thomas David Ryan was transported to the hospital to be treated for injuries sustained prior to apprehension. Thomas David Ryan is expected to be arraigned and charged after his condition improves.

The case involves a violent incident within a family unit where one member allegedly targeted another after being taken in for assistance. The investigation shows the intersection of domestic violence, arson, and mental health challenges, as described by the victim's daughter. The suspect's transient history and prior legal issues in New York City provide context for the law enforcement response across multiple counties.

Why It Matters

This case shows the intersection of domestic violence, arson, and mental health challenges within a family unit. The suspect's transient lifestyle and prior legal issues across multiple New York counties illustrate the complexities law enforcement faces when tracking individuals with no fixed residence. Additionally, the victim's daughter cited roadblocks in securing mental health treatment, pointing to broader systemic gaps in addressing severe illness before it escalates to fatal violence.