This story was orignally posted early Wednesday afternoon, Dec. 4.

MASSENA -- A Massena man killed his brother and then himself on Dec. 2 at the victim’s Beach Street home, according to state police.

Troopers say Anthony "Tony" G. Truax, 67, of Massena and Danny R. Truax, 60, Massena, were both found deceased due to gunshot wounds following an “altercation” between the two men.

Investigators say the Massena Police Department responded to 128 Beach St., where officers located the two deceased males inside the residence. 

Investigators did not provide a motive,  but say an altercation between Danny and Anthony Truax ended with Danny shooting his brother before killing himself.

According to state police, multiple search warrants were executed and the scene was processed for evidence. It’s not clear what locations those may have included.

At noon on Dec. 3 Forensic Pathologist Doctor Scott F. LaPoint conducted autopsies on the two men. The cause of death for Anthony Truax was ruled a homicide after it was determined he was shot through the torso.

The autopsy on Danny Truax determined the cause of death to be a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the chest, which was determined to be a suicide.

The case is now being treated as a homicide, according to state police and the investigation is still underway.

New York State Police were called to assist the Massena Police Department. 

State police took over the investigation as lead agency, but did not provide a reason when asked by North Country This Week. 

Massena police, likewise, directed all questions to state police. 

Mayor Greg Paquin issued a statement to inform the public there was not an ongoing threat to public safety.

“The New York State Police are conducting an investigation into two suspicious deaths that occurred today within the village limits. There is no threat to the public at this time. Since Massena PD is not leading this investigation, that is all the information we have at this time,” Paquin said.

North Country This Week will provide updates as more information becomes available.

The New York State Police, the St. Lawrence County District Attorney’s Office, the Massena Police Department, and the St. Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office are working the case, with State Police acting as the lead agency.

Attempts to contact St. Lawrence County District Attorney Gary Pasqua for additional information  were  unsuccessful.