VERNON - State Police in Oneida continue to investigate the death of Joseph J. Giacona, Jr, 37. Giacona was found in his residence which is located at 14 Sconondoa Street in the Village of Vernon on the afternoon of January 24.

At approximately 3:14 p.m. that day, Oneida County 911 received a
call from a 13-year old boy who stated that he had arrived home from school and found his father, Joseph Giacona Jr., lying on the living room couch with a head injury.

Vernon Fire Department and ambulance personnel responded to the scene and transported Giacona to St. Elizabeth Medical Center in Utica, where he was pronounced deceased.

On January 25, an autopsy was performed on Giacona. Following the autopsy, the manner of death was ruled a homicide due to a single gunshot wound to the head.

Numerous active leads are being followed at this time and forensic evidence found at the scene is currently being examined. No arrests have been made.

The State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation in Oneida are continuing to investigate the crime with the assistance of the Vernon Police Department and the Oneida County District Attorney's Office.