Tragedy in Queens: Marine Struggling with Emotional Trauma Fatally Shoots 17-Year-Old in Love Triangle Before Taking His Own Life in Shocking Bayside Murder-Suicide
Bayside, Queens – April 12, 2025 — A quiet Saturday night in the Bayside neighborhood of Queens was shattered by a harrowing act of violence that left two young men dead in what authorities have described as a murder-suicide fueled by jealousy, emotional turmoil, and unresolved trauma. The incident has left the community stunned and mourning the tragic loss of life, particularly that of 17-year-old Neo Secaira, who was allegedly gunned down by a 28-year-old U.S. Marine before the shooter turned the weapon on himself.
The New York City Police Department confirmed that at approximately 9:40 p.m. on April 12, officers responded to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire near the intersection of 214th Street and 39th Avenue. Upon arrival, they discovered two individuals with gunshot wounds—one deceased at the scene, the other critically wounded and later pronounced dead at a local hospital.
The shooter, identified as Frank Liu, a 28-year-old active-duty Marine who had returned from a recent overseas deployment, was found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The victim, Neo Secaira, a 17-year-old high school student, had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and could not be saved despite emergency life-saving efforts.
According to investigators, the shooting appears to have been the culmination of a tumultuous romantic entanglement involving Liu, Secaira, and a 19-year-old woman who had reportedly been in an on-again, off-again relationship with Liu before beginning to date Secaira in recent weeks. Sources close to the investigation said Liu had been having difficulty coping with the breakup and may have felt betrayed upon learning of her new relationship with a much younger teen.
Witnesses told police that the woman and Secaira were walking near her home when Liu allegedly approached them. An argument broke out, quickly escalating into violence. Authorities say Liu pulled out a handgun and shot Secaira multiple times in front of the woman, who screamed for help and fled. Liu then reportedly turned the weapon on himself, dying instantly.
The young woman was not physically injured, but police say she is traumatized by the events and is receiving support from counselors and family members. She has been cooperating with detectives as they piece together the events that led to the deadly confrontation.
Preliminary findings suggest that Liu may have been suffering from untreated post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), stemming from his military service. A spokesperson from the Marine Corps confirmed Liu’s identity and his active-duty status, adding that the service is “deeply saddened by the tragedy” and will fully cooperate with the NYPD’s investigation.
“Frank Liu served his country honorably, but like many veterans, he returned home with visible and invisible scars,” the Marine Corps statement read. “We grieve for all the lives lost in this senseless act and urge anyone struggling with mental health to seek help.”
Secaira was described by friends and teachers as a bright, kind-hearted teen with a promising future. A junior at Bayside High School, he had dreams of pursuing a career in engineering and was active in his local church. His sudden and violent death has devastated the school community, prompting grief counseling services and an outpouring of support from classmates and faculty.
“Neo had a bright spirit and was loved by so many,” said Ms. Julia Renner, a teacher at Bayside High. “He had so much life ahead of him. This is just unimaginable.”
Detectives are continuing to examine Liu’s background, including any past incidents of violence or signs of deteriorating mental health. While he had no prior criminal record, acquaintances reported that Liu had become increasingly withdrawn in recent months and had expressed deep emotional distress following the breakup.
Authorities recovered a legally purchased handgun from the scene. It is believed Liu had brought the weapon with him from his military service, although whether it was properly registered in New York is under investigation.
The tragedy has reignited conversations about mental health support for returning service members, the dangers of domestic violence, and the ease of access to firearms. Local leaders and advocacy groups are calling for increased resources for veterans, especially those experiencing relationship instability or emotional trauma.
“This is a heartbreaking reminder of what can happen when emotional pain, jealousy, and access to guns converge,” said Councilwoman Sandra Lin, who represents the Bayside area. “We need to do more to support mental health—especially for our veterans—and ensure that interventions are in place before lives are lost.”
As the community grapples with this devastating incident, candlelight vigils are being planned to honor the memory of Neo Secaira. His family has requested privacy as they mourn their son, but issued a brief statement through a family friend: “Neo was our heart. We are shattered beyond words. Please keep him in your prayers.”
The NYPD’s investigation remains active. Authorities urge anyone with information about Liu’s behavior in the days leading up to the shooting to contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of self-harm, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org. Help is available 24/7.