An elderly couple was discovered dead in their lakeside home in Canandaigua, New York, in what authorities have identified as a murder-suicide. Canandaigua is a small city located about 250 miles northwest of New York City in the Finger Lakes region.
Priscilla Herbik, aged 82, and Christian Herbik, aged 81, were found on Thursday, April 3, 2025, after a delivery driver noticed several packages accumulating outside their home at 5029 Wyffels Road and alerted authorities.
Sheriff David Cirencione stated, “After finding all doors locked and the homeowners’ vehicles parked outside, deputies forced their way into the home and found Priscilla Herbik, 82, and Christian Herbik, 81, both dead from gunshot wounds, with a shotgun near the latter.”
An autopsy conducted by the Monroe County Medical Examiner confirmed that Priscilla Herbik’s death was a homicide, while Christian Herbik’s was ruled a suicide. Investigators reported no signs of a struggle in the residence.
Canandaigua, a city with a population of approximately 10,460 residents, is located on the northern shore of Canandaigua Lake, one of New York’s eleven Finger Lakes. The city is about 25 miles southeast of Rochester and is known for its wineries, lakeside activities, and historic downtown.
The Herbiks’ home on Wyffels Road is situated on the western shore of Canandaigua Lake near Hope Point, an area known for upscale lakefront properties and vacation homes that attract both permanent residents and seasonal visitors.
Sheriff Cirencione added in an official statement, “The thoughts of our members remain with the family as they navigate this tragic incident and devastating loss,” emphasizing that it was an “isolated incident” with no threat to the wider community.
Authorities believe the deaths occurred several days before they were discovered, based on the number of packages observed outside the residence.
The Ontario County Sheriff’s Office has not released any potential motives or additional details related to the case. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not disclosed whether any notes or evidence providing context were found at the scene.
Public records and local reporting indicate that the couple had owned their property on Wyffels Road for over 15 years. Neighbors described them as private but friendly. Investigators have not shared information regarding the couple’s medical history or any domestic issues prior to the incident.
New York State has some of the strictest firearms regulations in the country. Investigators have not disclosed details about the ownership or registration status of the shotgun found at the scene.