Adam M. Darrah and Marcus Macaulay, Both 19-Year-Old Glens Falls Residents, Fatally Shot on Clay Hill Road in Fort Ann; Suspect in Custody as Authorities Investigate Tragic Thursday Night Double Homicide
Adam M. Darrah and Marcus Macaulay, Both 19-Year-Old Glens Falls Residents, Fatally Shot on Clay Hill Road in Fort Ann; Suspect in Custody as Authorities Investigate Tragic Thursday Night Double Homicide
FORT ANN, N.Y. — In a deeply tragic and alarming act of violence that has shaken the rural community of Fort Ann and the neighboring city of Glens Falls, two young men — Adam M. Darrah and Marcus Macaulay, both 19 — were shot and killed on Thursday night. The fatal incident occurred on Clay Hill Road, a quiet, wooded stretch of road southeast of Comstock, shortly after 9:00 p.m..
Responding to multiple 911 calls reporting gunfire, troopers from the New York State Police and deputies from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office arrived at the scene to find both victims suffering from critical gunshot wounds. The victims were discovered lying in the roadway, gravely injured and unresponsive.
Emergency medical teams transported both Darrah and Macaulay to Glens Falls Hospital, where despite efforts to save them, the teens were pronounced dead later that evening.
Victims Identified as Local Teens with Bright Futures
The two victims have been publicly identified as Adam M. Darrah and Marcus Macaulay, both of whom resided in Glens Falls and had known each other for years. Friends, relatives, and former classmates described them as “inseparable” and “like brothers.”
Adam Darrah, described by his family as thoughtful, loyal, and passionate about mechanical work, had recently completed a local technical training program and was starting an apprenticeship as an auto mechanic. He was said to be working toward earning his certification and saving money for his first car project.
Marcus Macaulay, meanwhile, was known in the community for his athletic abilities and ambition. He was a standout player on the Glens Falls High School football team and had expressed interest in joining the U.S. Army, hoping to pursue a career in either logistics or criminal justice.
“They were good boys,” said one local resident. “They didn’t deserve this. They were just starting to figure life out.”
The Shooting: What We Know So Far
The shooting took place on Clay Hill Road, a rural area not known for violent crime. Initial reports indicate that the two victims were either traveling on foot or had stopped on the side of the road when they encountered the suspect.
Multiple gunshots were reported by nearby residents at approximately 9:00 p.m. Within minutes, law enforcement was on the scene.
Troopers and deputies found Darrah and Macaulay wounded and unresponsive, lying several feet apart on the road. Paramedics quickly administered emergency care on-site before rushing them to Glens Falls Hospital. Despite all efforts, both young men were declared dead shortly after their arrival.
While the exact motive remains unclear, law enforcement sources close to the investigation told Channel2 NOW that the shooting appears to be a targeted attack and not a random act of violence. Evidence recovered at the scene reportedly includes multiple shell casings and indications of a possible verbal or physical altercation prior to the shooting.
Suspect Apprehended: Murder Charges Expected
Later that evening, after gathering witness statements and reviewing nearby surveillance footage, law enforcement was able to identify and locate a suspect. The individual was taken into custody without incident late Thursday night.
Although the identity of the suspect has not yet been released, Washington County District Attorney Tony Jordan stated in a press briefing Friday morning that charges of second-degree murder are likely. An arraignment is expected Friday at 6:00 p.m. in Washington County Court.
“This is a devastating incident for two families and for our community,” Jordan said. “We are proceeding carefully and deliberately to ensure that justice is served.”
Ongoing Investigation and Community Involvement
The New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation (BCI) is leading the case, with assistance from the Washington County Sheriff’s Office and other forensic units. Investigators remained on Clay Hill Road throughout the night and into Friday morning, combing the scene for evidence.
Authorities are also seeking public assistance. Residents in the Clay Hill Road area are urged to check any home security or dashcam footage between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. on May 22. Any relevant information could prove vital to the investigation.
Tips can be submitted to the New York State Police at (518) 457-6811 or via email at [email protected]. Anonymity will be respected for those who request it.
“We want to hear from anyone who may have seen or heard anything—even if it seems insignificant,” said Lt. Dana Daugherty, BCI lead investigator. “Sometimes the smallest detail can break a case.”
Grief and Mourning: Glens Falls Reacts
News of the double homicide spread quickly through Glens Falls on Friday morning, with students, teachers, and neighbors reacting with shock and sorrow.
The Glens Falls City School District confirmed that both Darrah and Macaulay were recent graduates of Glens Falls High School, class of 2024. In a statement, Superintendent Paul Jenkins expressed condolences and said that grief counselors would be available at the high school and district offices throughout the coming week.
“These young men were part of our school community,” Jenkins said. “Their loss is our loss, and we will do everything we can to support their families, friends, and classmates during this difficult time.”
Social media platforms were quickly flooded with photos, tributes, and heartfelt messages under the hashtags #JusticeForAdam and #RememberMarcus.
Local churches and community organizations also began mobilizing support for the victims’ families. A candlelight vigil is scheduled for Saturday night at 7:00 p.m. in Crandall Park, where classmates and neighbors will gather to honor the lives of the two teens.
Criminal Justice Response and Broader Concerns
While officials have praised the swift arrest of the suspect, the incident has prompted broader conversations about youth violence, mental health, and access to firearms.
“Two 19-year-olds were gunned down in the street,” said community advocate Renee Morris. “We need to ask ourselves how and why this keeps happening—not just here, but across the country.”
Advocates are calling for expanded youth intervention programs, gun safety education, and mental health resources, especially in rural communities.
The Road Ahead: Awaiting Justice
As of Friday afternoon, the suspect remains in custody pending arraignment. Meanwhile, the families of Adam Darrah and Marcus Macaulay are left grappling with a sudden and violent loss.
Funeral arrangements have not yet been announced, but a joint memorial service is reportedly being planned. Friends say the two young men were more like brothers than friends—and that they will be remembered not just for how they died, but how they lived.
“This is the kind of grief you don’t get over,” said family friend Darlene Walters. “You learn to live with it. And you hope justice helps bring even a little peace.”
