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Manhunt Launched After Suspect’s Father Found Dead in House Fire
Manhunt Underway in Orange County: Son Sought in Father’s Death and House Fire
What Happened?
On Thursday evening, a quiet neighborhood in Greenville, Orange County was shaken by a tragic event. Here’s what we know so far:
- Around 7:30 PM, emergency crews rushed to a home on Greenville Turnpike
- The house was fully engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived
- Inside, they found 70-year-old Robert Ryan deceased
- Police believe Robert was killed BEFORE the fire was intentionally set to cover up the crime
- His 32-year-old son, Thomas David Ryan, is now the prime suspect
IMPORTANT ALERT
Thomas David Ryan is considered ARMED AND DANGEROUS.
- Last seen: Wearing a black T-shirt and black sweatpants near Greenville Turnpike
- Vehicle: 2016 gray Toyota Prius, New York license plate HNH-7671
- Criminal history: 7 prior arrests in NYC, currently on probation until April 2028
- If you see him: DO NOT APPROACH — Call 911 immediately or contact State Police at 845-344-5300
A Daughter’s Heartbreaking Story
Stephanie Coiro, Robert’s daughter and Thomas’s sister, shared a painful picture of their family’s long struggle:
The Father She Knew
- A pillar of the community — kind, generous, and welcoming to everyone
- "More character in his pinky than most in their whole bodies"
- Never turned his back on his son, even when it put him at risk
The Brother She Feared
- Thomas has severe mental illness (schizophrenia)
- Off his medication — and that’s when he becomes dangerous
- First psychotic break at age 16 — this has been a 20-year battle
The Night It Happened
- Thomas called his dad saying he was stranded in Plattsburgh without a bus ticket
- Robert drove to pick him up and brought him home to rest
- Within hours, Robert was dead and the house was burning
The Bigger Picture: A System That Failed
Stephanie doesn’t just blame her brother — she blames a broken system:
| System Failure | Impact on Families |
|---|---|
| Hospital programs only covered for limited time | Patients discharged before stable |
| At 18, patients can refuse medication | Schizophrenia makes people believe they’re fine |
| Families hit roadblocks getting help | Loved ones cycle in and out of prison |
| No long-term support structure | Tragedies like this become inevitable |
"The scope of mental illness is vast and our systems are failing left and right… if you’re a family going through this, advocate as loud as you can because your worst fear can come true. I’m living it." — Stephanie Coiro
What Police Are Doing Right Now
- Active manhunt for Thomas David Ryan
- Reviewing home security footage showing him leaving the scene
- Tracking the gray Toyota Prius (plate HNH-7671)
- Coordinating with multiple agencies given his criminal history
- Urging public vigilance with clear safety instructions
How You Can Help
If You Have Information:
- Call 911 if you see the suspect or vehicle
- Contact State Police Middletown Bureau: 845-344-5300
- Do NOT approach — he is armed and dangerous
- Note details: Time, location, direction of travel
If You’re a Family in Crisis:
- Advocate loudly and persistently for your loved one
- Document everything — calls, incidents, medication changes
- Contact mental health advocacy organizations for guidance
- Build a support network — you don’t have to face this alone
Summary
A tragic domestic incident in Greenville has left a 70-year-old father dead, a home destroyed by arson, and a 32-year-old son with severe mental illness on the run. This case highlights not just a family’s grief, but systemic failures in mental health care that left a dangerous situation unaddressed for two decades. The suspect, Thomas David Ryan, is considered armed and dangerous — driving a gray 2016 Toyota Prius (NY plate HNH-7671). If spotted, call 911 immediately. Do not approach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Robert Ryan?
Robert Ryan was a 70-year-old father and grandfather described by his daughter as exceptionally kind, generous, and a pillar of his community. He was found dead in his burning home on Greenville Turnpike.
Why is Thomas David Ryan the suspect?
Police found evidence that Robert was killed before the fire was intentionally set. Home security footage shows Thomas leaving the scene. He has a history of severe mental illness and violence when off medication.
What mental illness does Thomas have?
According to his sister, Thomas has schizophrenia — a serious mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves. When unmedicated, he experiences psychotic episodes and becomes dangerous.
Why couldn’t the family get him help?
Stephanie describes a broken system: treatment programs have time limits, adults can refuse medication at 18, and schizophrenia itself impairs insight (patients often believe they’re fine). The family faced roadblocks for 20 years, with Thomas cycling in and out of prison instead of receiving consistent care.
What should I do if I see the suspect or his car?
Call 911 immediately. Do NOT approach him. Do NOT try to detain him. He is considered armed and dangerous. Provide the dispatcher with your location, the time, and which direction he was traveling. You can also call State Police directly at 845-344-5300.
