A power-player in the New York developer market was shot point blank in the face and left to die near the steps of his sprawling Oheka Castle home.
Gary Melius, 69, was shot by a masked man just as he was entering his Mercedes-Benz in the valet area of the Huntington estate, the New York Post reported. Mr. Melius, who uses the estate as a hotel, family home and catering hall, survived the shooting.
His daughter, Kelly, heard the gunfire and rushed to his aid. Mr. Melius, who is considered a major political player with ties to Democratic, Republican and independent candidates and incumbents, was transported ultimately to North Shore University Hospital in Manhassett, in stable condition but with an eye wound, the New York Post reported.
The masked gunman and the gunman’s driver escaped the grounds in a Jeep Cherokee.
Former Sen. Alfonse D’Amato visited Mr. Melius in the hospital and said the developer didn’t know why he was targeted.
“He didn’t understand why the shooting happened,” Mr. D’Amato said, in the New York Post. “He said, ’why?’ He couldn’t believe it. It was an assassination attempt, not a robbery.”
Police detectives said the shooting did not appear to be accidental, but rather targeted.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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