An upstate New York father has allegedly killed his young son and girlfriend in a horrific attack. David M. Huff, 43, reportedly shot 11-year-old Jeremiah Huff and 32-year-old Yeraldith Tschudy multiple times inside a home on Roney Road in Syracuse. Tragically, young Jeremiah called his mom, Samantha Gallup-Peltier, after the shooting, but she did not get to him in time, and he succumbed to his wounds a short time later. Now, the devastated mother must live with the heartache of never seeing her son again.
Syracuse police arrived at the home about 9:30 p.m. March 17, 2025, after receiving a report of shots fired. They found both Tschudy and Jeremiah dead from apparent gunshot wounds. Police immediately launched a manhunt to find Huff.
“The Syracuse Police Department is asking for the public’s help in the ongoing search for a suspect in a double homicide investigation. The suspect has been identified as 43-year-old David Huff. Huff is approximately five feet, six inches tall, with brown hair and a beard. He was last seen wearing a black t-shirt and blue jeans,” a statement on Facebook from police explains. Officers apprehended Huff the next morning and took him into custody.
Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick told WHAM Huff allegedly fired multiple shots at Tschudy and Jeremiah. Police believe he used a 12-gauge shotgun, shooting his girlfriend first before discharging the weapon at his son. Shockingly, Jeremiah’s stepdad was also present at the time of the shooting but escaped unharmed.
“The only reason that he is not a homicide victim is because either the gun was out of ammunition or the gun misfired, so there’ll be an additional charge of attempted murder regarding that individual,” Fitzpatrick said.
Gallup-Peltier told Syracuse.com the loss of her son will be with her forever. “We will miss him every day,” she said. “My life is empty without him.”
The mother said Jeremiah loved his dad. “He loved to snuggle on the couch and have a cup of coffee in the morning,” Gallup-Peltier shared. “He loved every animal, being outside and nature. And he loved his father.”
The North Syracuse Central School District sent a message to parents obtained by Syracuse.com. Superintendent Terry Ward wrote, “Our school community is close knit, and we are deeply saddened by this loss. In times of sorrow, we find strength in one another. Let us come together with compassion, kindness and support for those who need it most.”
Maria Giannino created a GoFundMe account for Jeremiah’s mother. Thus far, it’s raised more than $31,000 of the $35,000 goal.
“We are truly overwhelmed by your generosity and support. Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference, and we cannot express how much it means,” Giannino wrote on the page. “Your kindness, encouragement, and willingness to help have lifted our spirits during this challenging time. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts, we are so grateful for each and every one of you!”
Huff faces charges of first-degree murder, second-degree murder, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon. Per WHAM, he appeared in Syracuse City Court on March 19 and pleaded not guilty. A judge placed him in jail without bond.
