N.Y. couple accused of killing man’s grandfather, hiding body in crawl space near sleeping children

NEW CITY, N.Y. (TCD) — A couple faces charges after allegedly killing the man’s grandfather and hiding his body in the crawl space of his own home.

According to the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office, on Thursday, Dec. 7, 31-year-old Constantinos Doonan and 26-year-old Jo-Ann Haughey were arraigned on a charge of second-degree murder in connection with the January death of Doonan’s grandfather, Constantinos Mastakouris.

Prosecutors allege Doonan and Haughey killed Mastakouris at the victim’s home on Ruth Drive sometime between Jan. 29 and Jan. 30. Doonan, Haughey, their two children, and other family members reportedly lived with Mastakouris.

Following the victim’s death, the couple reportedly hid the body “in a crawl space located in the residence, in close proximity of where they slept with their children.”

According to the district attorney’s office, between late January and mid-March, Doonan and Haughey “stole and possessed property belonging to Mr. Mastakouris, which they did not have permission or authority to use.”

Doonan and Haughey were charged with second-degree murder, second-degree burglary, third-degree grand larceny, three counts of fourth-degree grand larceny, third-degree criminal possession of stolen property, three counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, concealment of a human corpse, and two counts of endangering the welfare of a child.

District Attorney Tom Walsh said in a statement, “The alleged actions of the defendants show a clear disregard for human life. What makes this case very troubling is the grandfather and grandson relationship between the defendant and victim.”

Doonan and Haughey remain held in the Rockland County Jail without bail. If convicted, they face a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison.

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