LI residents mark somber 20-year anniversary of LIRR massacre

A somber group gathered at the Merillon Avenue train station today for a wreath-laying ceremony in honor of the victims of the deadliest mass shooting in Long Island's history.

It was 20 years ago today when gunman Colin Ferguson opened fire on a crowded Long Island Rail Road commuter train as it approached the Merillon Avenue station. Six people were killed and 19 others were injured.

Joyce Gorycki, of Mineola, and Rep. Carolyn McCarthy (D-Mineola) placed wreaths at the station's platform this morning. Both of the women lost their husbands in the shooting, and McCarthy's son was also seriously injured, but survived. Gorycki and McCarthy placed three wreaths: one for both of their husbands and one for the other victims.

McCarthy, who is battling lung cancer, said it doesn't get easier as time goes on. "I know that people say after 20 years that, you know, people should get on with their lives," she said. "Well, we all have gotten on with our lives but there's never any closure. There's never closure."

Ferguson, who insisted on representing himself at trial, was sentenced to 315 years in prison for the shootings and would be eligible for parole in 2309.