Tragedy in Fort Ann: Glens Falls Teens Marcus Macaulay and Adam Darrah Fatally Shot; 20-Year-Old Brandon Keller Arrested in Double Homicide Investigation
FORT ANN, N.Y. (May 23, 2025) — A quiet Thursday night in Fort Ann turned tragic when gunfire erupted on Clay Hill Road, leaving two 19-year-old men dead and a tight-knit community reeling in grief. New York State Police, in collaboration with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, confirmed that the fatal shooting took place around 9:00 p.m., prompting an urgent response from law enforcement and emergency personnel.
Authorities identified the victims as Marcus Macaulay and Adam Darrah, both residents of Glens Falls. The two young men were found lying in the roadway with critical gunshot wounds when officers arrived. Despite immediate intervention by emergency medical teams and rapid transport to Glens Falls Hospital, both victims were pronounced dead shortly after arrival.
“This is a heartbreaking and senseless tragedy that has shaken our entire community,” said State Police Captain Jonathan Ames during a brief press conference Friday morning. “Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of Marcus and Adam as they navigate this unimaginable loss.”
Suspect in Custody, but Details Remain Sparse
State Police have confirmed that a suspect has been taken into custody in connection with the double homicide. However, authorities have not yet released the name of the suspect or any information regarding a possible motive or how the events unfolded on Thursday night. It is unclear at this time whether the victims and the suspect knew one another.
Investigators were seen canvassing the area into the early hours of Friday morning, collecting evidence and interviewing potential witnesses. Clay Hill Road, a usually quiet and rural stretch in Fort Ann, was temporarily closed as forensic teams worked to reconstruct the events leading up to the shooting.
Residents nearby reported hearing multiple gunshots, followed by a brief period of silence before the arrival of law enforcement. One neighbor, who asked not to be named, said, “I thought it was fireworks at first. Then I heard someone shouting, and a few minutes later the road was flooded with flashing lights.”
Community in Mourning
The loss of two young lives has left the Glens Falls community devastated. Both Marcus and Adam were recent graduates of Glens Falls High School, where they had been active in athletics and other extracurriculars. Friends describe them as kind-hearted and full of potential.
“They were always together,” said Jenna Thorne, a former classmate. “Marcus had the biggest smile, and Adam was the type of guy who’d give you the shirt off his back. It just doesn’t make sense.”
Local officials and school leaders have extended their condolences to the families and are offering grief counseling services to students and community members affected by the tragedy.
Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal
As of Friday afternoon, the investigation remains active and ongoing. Authorities have not disclosed the number of shots fired or whether any weapons were recovered at the scene. Forensic teams are continuing to examine the area for shell casings, surveillance footage, and any other evidence that could shed light on what took place.
State Police are urging the public to come forward with any information that may aid the investigation. Tips can be submitted by calling (518) 457-6811 or by emailing crimetip@troopers.ny.gov. All tips can remain anonymous.
“This is still a very fluid situation,” Captain Ames added. “We are diligently working to determine what led to this violence and to ensure justice is served.”
A Community Searches for Answers
As residents of Fort Ann and Glens Falls come to terms with the heartbreaking news, vigils and memorials are already being planned to honor the lives of Marcus Macaulay and Adam Darrah. Social media has been flooded with tributes, photographs, and messages of support for their families.
The shooting marks one of the most violent incidents in Washington County in recent memory, and it has reignited conversations about youth violence, mental health, and gun safety in the region.
Further updates will be released by New York State Police as the investigation progresses and more information becomes available. For now, the community is left mourning two young lives taken far too soon, with many asking the same question: why?