Commack Grad Found Dead in Upstate Apartment

Update: The result of Gabriel Philby-Zetsche's autopsy were released on Tuesday evening, revealing he was killed. Read more on Patch

A recent Commack High School graduate was discovered dead in an upstate New York home he shared with his mother on Monday morning. 

Times Union is reporting that Gabriel Philby-Zetsche, 22, was found covered in blood on the floor of his bedroom in the Westerlo, New York house.

Philby-Zetsche had cerebral palsy and graduated from Commack High School in 2009, according to Newsday, who spells his last name Zetzsche. Patch has received emails from the community supporting this, though a call to the Commack school district was not immediately returned.

Philby-Zetsche's body was discovered by his aunt around 8:30 a.m. Monday morning when she was noticed his mother Tracy Zetsche, 52, was on the back porch of the home looking upset, according to Times Union.

Zetsche mentioned something was wrong with her son. The aunt went upstairs to find Gabriel dead in a pool of blood, according to Times Union.

Albany County Sheriff Mark Apple told media Gabriel's death is suspicious and that his body is believed to have been in the home for several days before being reported. 

Times Union reports Zetsche's mother and three others are being questioned by investigators, but has not been charged with any crime as of Monday night.

"She is not providing a lot of information," Apple told Times Union. 

Neighbors reported seeing investigators walk down road to a nearby vacant gas station and took pictures of something laying on the ground before collecting it as evidence. Apple would not tell the media what the item was. 

Times Union published this statement about Philby-Zetsche's death released by Zetsche's family on Tuesday morning, as they were awaiting the autopsy results: 

As you can imagine, the death of my nephew Gabe and the injuries to my sister Tracey have turned our world upside down," said the email which was attributed to Ted Philby. "Nothing can prepare anyone for the shock our family has received. My sister and nephew mean the world to me and my family.

"At this moment, sheriff's investigators are still trying to determine exactly what occurred. I believe it is best to let law enforcement professionals do their jobs and not comment further. On behalf of the entire Philby family, we thank you for respecting our privacy at this very painful time."

Read more on Times Union about Philby-Zetsche's death and see a photogallery of the crime scene. 

Did you know Gabriel Philby-Zetsche? Share your memories of him by emailing editor Sara Walsh at sara-megan.walsh@patch.com.