Adam Darrah and Marcus Macaulay, Both 19, Fatally Shot on Clay Hill Road in Fort Ann; Police Arrest Suspect as Investigation into Thursday Night Double Homicide Intensifies
Adam Darrah and Marcus Macaulay, Both 19, Fatally Shot on Clay Hill Road in Fort Ann; Police Arrest Suspect as Investigation into Thursday Night Double Homicide Intensifies
FORT ANN, N.Y. — In what law enforcement officials are describing as a “targeted and violent act,” Adam Darrah and Marcus Macaulay, both 19-year-old residents of Glens Falls, were fatally shot late Thursday evening on a quiet rural stretch of Clay Hill Road in Fort Ann, a small upstate New York town nestled near the Vermont border. Authorities say both young men were found lying in the roadway with life-threatening injuries caused by gunfire. Despite emergency efforts to save them, both succumbed to their wounds at Glens Falls Hospital shortly after their arrival.
A suspect is currently in custody in connection with the killings, though as of this writing, their identity has not been released. The investigation, led by the New York State Police in coordination with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, remains ongoing as investigators continue to piece together what led to this shocking act of violence.
Timeline of the Tragedy
At approximately 9:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 22, a barrage of 911 calls began flooding local dispatch lines. Callers reported hearing multiple gunshots in the area of Clay Hill Road, a sparsely populated rural road that winds through farmland, forest, and intermittent homes.
When officers arrived on scene, they discovered two male victims—later identified as Adam Darrah and Marcus Macaulay—lying in the middle of the roadway, unresponsive and suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. According to first responders, both young men were in critical condition when paramedics arrived. They were transported via ambulance to Glens Falls Hospital, approximately 20 minutes away, but both were pronounced dead shortly thereafter.
“This is a devastating and senseless act of violence,” said Major Richard Hartnett, commander of the State Police Troop G division. “Two lives were taken far too early, and we are working tirelessly to determine what happened and to hold the responsible party accountable.”
Victims Identified: Promising Lives Cut Short
Authorities confirmed Friday morning that the victims were Adam Darrah and Marcus Macaulay, both 19 years old and residents of Glens Falls, a city located roughly 12 miles south of Fort Ann.
Adam Darrah, remembered by peers as a reserved but kind-hearted individual, had recently begun working full-time as an apprentice electrician and was considering attending community college in the fall. Friends say he had a passion for cars and often spent his weekends working on old engines in his family’s garage.
Marcus Macaulay, by contrast, was the more extroverted of the pair. A former high school athlete, he had plans to enlist in the U.S. Army later this year and was known around the community for his easygoing nature and infectious sense of humor.
“Marcus and Adam were like brothers,” said Jayden Brooks, a friend of both victims. “They had their whole lives ahead of them. None of this makes sense.”
Grief-stricken family members gathered at Glens Falls Hospital early Friday morning, many too emotional to speak with reporters. Others simply asked for privacy while they mourned.
Details of the Crime Scene
Clay Hill Road is known for its stillness and seclusion—a place where traffic is minimal and wildlife sightings are more common than criminal activity. As such, the crime scene itself presented unique investigative challenges.
Police cordoned off a large section of the roadway throughout the night and into the morning hours, working under floodlights to collect shell casings, take photographs, and canvass the surrounding area for potential witnesses or surveillance footage from nearby homes.
“We are treating the scene as a double homicide,” said Lt. Kelly Matthison of the New York State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation. “Based on initial evidence, we believe this was not a random act. There was likely some prior connection or dispute involving the victims and the suspect.”
Detectives were seen collecting ballistic evidence and inspecting tire tracks along the road’s edge. Several evidence markers were placed around what appeared to be a grouping of spent shell casings.
Suspect in Custody, But Identity Withheld
In a major development late Thursday night, law enforcement confirmed that a suspect had been taken into custody. However, authorities have not released the individual’s name, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation and the need to verify details before making public statements.
The suspect was reportedly apprehended without incident at a separate location within Washington County and is currently being held for questioning. Sources close to the investigation indicate that charges could be filed as early as Friday evening.
“We are moving quickly but carefully,” said Major Hartnett. “Our focus is on collecting all the facts and ensuring that the person responsible is held accountable through due process.”
Community Reaction: Shock, Mourning, and Questions
The double homicide has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit communities of both Fort Ann and Glens Falls. Tributes to Darrah and Macaulay have begun appearing online, with classmates, teachers, and neighbors expressing sorrow and disbelief.
Local resident Linda Carr, who lives less than a quarter-mile from where the shooting occurred, said she was sitting on her front porch when she heard the shots.
“It was just pop-pop-pop—fast, like fireworks,” Carr recalled. “I thought maybe it was kids messing around until I saw the flashing lights. I’ve lived here 30 years and never seen anything like this.”
In Glens Falls, the local high school where both victims had recently graduated lowered its flag to half-staff and made grief counselors available to current students and recent alumni.
Law Enforcement Appeals for Public Assistance
State Police are urging anyone who may have witnessed anything suspicious near Clay Hill Road between 8:30 and 9:30 p.m. on Thursday night to come forward. Additionally, they are asking residents in the area to review doorbell or security camera footage, even if they think it may be insignificant.
Tips can be submitted to the New York State Police by calling (518) 457-6811 or emailing [email protected]. Callers may remain anonymous.
Authorities also encouraged local residents to remain alert but emphasized that there is no ongoing threat to the public, as the suspect is believed to have acted alone and has already been apprehended.
What We Know So Far
- Victims: Adam Darrah (19) and Marcus Macaulay (19), both from Glens Falls, New York.
- Time of Incident: Approximately 9:00 p.m., Thursday, May 22, 2025
- Location: Clay Hill Road, Fort Ann, NY
- Cause of Death: Gunshot wounds; both victims were pronounced dead at Glens Falls Hospital
- Suspect: In custody, identity not yet released
- Motive: Unknown, but investigators believe the shooting was targeted
- Investigation: Active and ongoing, led by New York State Police and Washington County Sheriff’s Office
Looking Ahead: A Community in Mourning, Demanding Answers
As police continue their investigation and prosecutors prepare potential charges, the families of Adam Darrah and Marcus Macaulay are left grappling with a tragic, irreversible loss. Community leaders, faith organizations, and grief counselors are mobilizing to support those affected.
A candlelight vigil is being planned for this weekend in Crandall Park, where both young men frequently hung out. Organizers say the event will not only honor the lives lost but also serve as a call for peace in a time of turmoil.
“There are no words that can ease the pain of what happened,” said Pastor John Harlan, who ministers at a local church near Glens Falls. “But we can stand together, cry together, and demand a future where our youth are safe, not slaughtered in the streets.”
