Man Dies after Suffering from Burns

The Suffolk County Police Department Homicide and Arson Squads are investigating the death of a Shirley man today.

Seventh Precinct officers were called to 103 Maple Ave. in Shirley after a family member discovered Joseph Palermo Jr. unconscious on his bedroom floor at approximately 12:20 p.m.

Palermo, 76, who uses oxygen, had burns on his face and clothing, and a nearby chair was also burned.

Investigators are examining the possibility that Palermo was smoking at the time of the incident. He was transported to Brookhaven Memorial Hospital Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

The investigation is continuing.