A Philadelphia father suspected of killing his wife died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound to the head on Staten Island on Thursday, ending his run from justice, Penn Live reported.
Keith Belajonas, 32, had fled to the island with his 4- and 6-year-old sons in tow. There, he allegedly robbed a CVS at gunpoint, located at 1933 Victory Blvd. in Meiers Corners, but left his children behind. Belajonas does have family on Staten Island, but it is unclear whether he knew someone at the CVS.
The man and his wife had a violent argument around 2:30 a.m. in their Drexel Hill home. Neighbors witnessed Belajonas drive off with his sons after hearing at least one gunshot. One of the children was overheard asking, "Is mommy dead?"
Police found Belajonas' wife with stab wounds and a gunshot wound to the head when they arrived on the scene.
A Facebook post that the father posted may provide some insight into his motive for the murder. The post reads: "Had an argument. She was cheating on me. I won," according to the New York Daily News.
Cops received a 911 call from someone who said that a gray Nissan Pathfinder was spotted that fit the description of Belajonas' in an Amber alert set out in Pennsylvania, Staten Island Live reported.
Two officers in a police car from the 122nd Precinct found his SUV traveling south on Richmond Avenue. They started following the vehicle without sirens, noticing that it was moving irratically down the road, according to Staten Island Live. Police following Belajonas as he turned right onto Katan Avenue, trying to see if they could identify the driver.
Belajonas then took a quick left turn onto the dead end Bartlett Avenue. Police said he had already taken his own life with a gunshot wound by the time police approached his car.
