Oheka Castle owner recovering after murder attempt By abc7NY Tuesday, February 25, 2014 HUNTINGTON, New York Investigators say the gunman wore a black mask and ambushed 69-year old Gary Melius. While Melius was well known in the community and respected for his charitable donations, he was also involved in a local controversy last year, playing a role in the political scandal that led to the ouster of Nassau County's police commissioner at the time. The shooting was captured on surveillance. In an exclusive interview Tuesday with WINS, Melius said he is doing "fine" physically and addresses questions about the shooting and the investigation. The property later became Oheka Castle. ", Oheka serves as a stand-in for a French mansion in Season 3 of the Hulu TV series, Oheka was used as the setting for a castle in, Oheka was used as the setting for the "Mr. Julius Caesar" rematch in the film, The castle was featured in Season 2 Episode 4 of the Hulu show, The castle was used as the setting for the, The castle was featured in the music video for, This page was last edited on 28 March 2023, at 14:12. Still, Oheka Castle remains an impressive sight. The young man was arrested on an outstanding warrant while riding a county bus on Oct. 5. It was the country home of investment financier and philanthropist Otto Hermann Kahn and his family. Police said they don't know if the gunman and Melius exchanged any words before the shooting. The young man was arrested on an outstanding warrant while riding a county bus on Oct. 5. "When I first bought the property, it looked like something from a horror movie," Melius said. Suffolk County Police officers surround the car belonging to Gary Melius, the owner of Oheka Castle, who brought to Syosset Hospital with a gunshot wound on Monday. Oheka Castle owner recovering after murder attempt; Hunt for gunman "We've had our differences in the political realm," he said. Its been nearly four years since someone shot Oheka Castle owner Gary Melius in the face, and the assassination attempt is still shrouded in mystery. Several years after Kahn's death in 1934, the estate was sold. Construction began in 1917 and was completed after two years. "Are you any closer today, Gary, to knowing who did this to you?" In 2004, Oheka was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Footage shows 2 cars approaching scene where Oheka Castle owner Gary It has since been converted into a 32-bedroom luxury hotel featuring a grand ballroom, restaurant and bar, a swimming pool, and more. Who Makes The Best Grilled Cheese on Long Island? Who Makes The Best Cookies on Long Island? "I don't know who would ever want to hurt someone so nice and generous and thoughtful. Topics you care about, straight to your inbox. [7] Ten years later, following a lawsuit, the building passed to one of Yokoi's daughters and her husband. The castle's parties were so famous that they allegedly inspired F. Scott Fitzgerald's novel The Great Gatsby, which features opulent ftes at a lavish estate. If you look closely, the estate is peppered with the symbol of the Linden tree. It also offers a bar, restaurant, and mansion tours of the estate and gardens. Police are still looking for the shooter. Otto Kahn bought 443 acres of land in Cold Spring Harbor to build his family a lavish summer home in 1914. "You know, I wasn't really in favor of doing this, felt the police do their job like everybody else," Melius said. According to sources cited by the newspaper, security footage shows a black sedan pulling into the valet area - followed by a Jeep Cherokee. What is known, is that the king and his castle will never be the same. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Its original 443-acre plot has shrunk to 23 acres over the last century. In 1984, Oheka was purchased by Gary Melius, a Long Island developer. Melius has engaged in political skirmishes with some of Long Island's most powerful officials, a high-ranking political source told the Daily News. The grounds of Oheka Castle include a beautiful formal garden with a reflective pool amongst its trimmed bushes. Copyright 2023 WABC-TV. The campaign irregularities eventually got Hardwick sacked from the ballot. Oheka Castle, which is also a hotel offering $1,095-a-night suites, says on its website that it can accommodate up to 1,000 wedding guests. The kickback must have caused the weapon to jam, because the shooter was seen on the video trying to fix the gun, Newsday reported. Legends say the castle is haunted. Okeha Castle Owner Speaks About Shooting Incident - YouTube This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Inside new mortgage fee rules, Retaining wall collapses in the Bronx due to severe weather, Karl Lagerfeld legacy showcased in Met exhibit, Tips for dealing with flood-related losses after the storm, Manhunt enters 3rd day for alleged Texas mass killer, New Yonkers center aims to help day laborers get more than just jobs, Bride killed in Folly Beach golf cart DUI crash, ABC7 New York 24/7 Eyewitness News Stream. The Associated Press contributed to this report. It was finally abandoned in 1980 and stood forgotten for years. An investigation by the Nassau County district attorney found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing but raised questions about the ethics of Dale's actions, leading to his resignation. A family member drove Melius to the hospital, where he underwent surgery for a bullet wound to his forehead. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. Gary Melius, owner of Oheka Castle in Long Island, was shot on Monday. Gary Melius | New York Post Melius, who was born in Jackson Heights, Queens, has long been involved with the Democratic, Republican and Independence parties, contributing more than $800,000 total to the three parties since 1999, according to state records. Fish contaminated with "forever chemicals" found in nearly every state, CBS News Poll: How GOP primary race could be Trump v. 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Melius was hospitalized for more than week, Police have had little to go on in the case, a Jeep Cherokee spotted driving away from the scene. The ex-senator had a lunch date scheduled with Melius on Monday until he learned of the shooting from Melius' daughter, according to Newsday. And if you liked this post, be sure to check out these popular posts: Thirty-four miles outside of bustling New York City stands the luxurious Oheka Castle, a century-old mansion that was once the second-largest private residence in the United States. Gary Melius, 70, is reportedly adamant that his son had nothing to do with it. Find company research, competitor information, contact details & financial data for AUCHAN RETAIL INTERNATIONAL of CROIX, HAUTS DE FRANCE. A look at the beautiful reflective pools inside the formal garden. Oheka Castle was bought up in 1984 by developer Gary Melius who purchased the destroyed property and its remaining 23-acre plot for $1.5 million. An investigation by the Nassau County district attorney found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing but raised questions about the ethics of Dale's actions, leading to his resignation. The house was featured in a book by subsequent owners who claimed . Infamous (and possibly haunted) Long Island home. High-powered developer Gary Melius a heavy hitter in the blood sport of Long Island politics was shot in the head by a masked gunman in an apparent assassination attempt Monday outside his tony Oheka Castle, police said. "They have not one thing to physically connect him to this. Orson Welles used its exterior to shoot some scenes there in 1940 for his American classic Citizen Kane. Oheka Castle shooting: Complete coverage - Newsday Twarowski has written for the financial and metro desks of The Washington Post and has earned more than 100 local, state and national journalism awards and accolades. Oheka Castle shooting: Complete coverage - Newsday Long Island Suffolk Oheka Castle shooting: Complete coverage A Suffolk County police patrol car in front of the entrance to Oheka. He told them he has no idea who tried to kill him, and there are no known witnesses. He plays cards with Republican former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato. First published on February 24, 2015 / 7:08 PM. Melius has changed his security procedures since the incident, but doesn't give the shooting a second thought. Melius was hospitalized for more than week. Oheka Castle Owner Says Shooting That Wounded Him Remains Mystery One Cops also hadn't determined how many shots were fired and had not interviewed the victim. Then, 222 new windows and doors were purchased to reseal the property as well as 4,000 new roof slates to fix the damaged roof. Tuesday, Melius gave a statement to Eyewitness News saying; "I look forward to coming home. Originally built for financier Otto Kahn in 1921, the 126-room Oheka is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Melius political dealings have also resulted in some controversy. (Christie M. Farriella for New York Daily News). Surveillance video of the attempted murder of Oheka Castle owner Gary Melius shows two cars without license plates driving into his parking lot moments before a hooded, masked gunman started firing at him, Newsday reported Thursday. Melius, 69, was struck down about 12:30 p.m. as he climbed into his Mercedes in the valet parking lot of the Huntington castle he calls home, Suffolk County police said. An outdoor lounge at Oheka Castle which is part of the hotel's restaurant and bar. The famous Gatsby mansion has also hosted 1920s-style parties, where the wealthy once again sip champagne while dressed in period-garb. bucketlistli/TwitterOheka Castle's construction began in 1917 and was completed two years later. "Did you ever directly ask your son if he had any involvement?" #TheFBIs He once owed close to $6m in debts - including $100,000 to Donald Trump's Taj . If this near- death experience has done anything it is a reminder to live each day, celebrate life and embrace your family. So when he began work on his next palatial dream home, he had his architects design a fire-proof home build entirely of steel and concrete. Visitors were greeted by a long driveway lined with manicured red cedar trees that led you into the property. Met Gala brings stunning fits and big reveals, Serena Williams debuts pregnancy on the Met Gala red carpet, Family still in pain after NYPD detective dies 33 years after shooting, Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot dies at 84, Paying more despite good credit? Former President Bill Clinton officiated the nuptials. "This is an active, ongoing investigation, we're not going to be commenting," said a Suffolk County Police spokeswoman. Eventually, the historic property was bought by a local developer who invested millions of dollars to return it to its once-lavish state and convert it into a hotel. The Gatsby Suite, pictured here, is a nod to the hotel's alleged ties to, Kahn famously hosted extravagant parties at his summer estate. Melius, who is as comfortable rubbing elbows with celebrities and former Presidents as he is with throwing elbows in rough-and-tumble Long Island politics, turned Oheka Castle from a decaying estate into a luxury hotel and events space. Melius is a prominent developer and political contributor and is well-known and well-liked. Suffolk County police would not comment on the status of the investigation Tuesday, but they did say there is no harm in Melius having his own tip line. Proposed condo projects pit neighbor against neighbor as court fights Inside the "house" were 127 rooms, a grand library housing a secret passageway behind one of the bookcases, and 39 working fireplaces. Gary Melius criticizes the former district attorney for not releasing the video immediately, says Peddie. In 2016, then-Suffolk Police Commissioner Tim Sini released. Oheka Castle, which is also a hotel offering $1,095-a-night . On Feb. 24 of last year, a masked gunman drove up to the renowned catering hall and opened fire. Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota after visiting shooting victim and Oheka Castle Owner Gary Melius at North Shore University Hospital on Wednesday. Was the hit related to the castles multi-layered financing? The property cost owner Otto Hermann Kahn a total of $11 million. It took 18 months to scrape off the original paint from the railings during initial repairs. Stepson of Oheka Castle Owner Questioned in Shooting: Sources The owner of a prominent wedding venue on Long Island where celebrities and dignitaries have held their lavish nuptials was shot in the head at the sprawling mansion Monday. Police have had little to go on in the case, though they have been searching for the suspect's alleged getaway vehicle -- a Jeep Cherokee spotted driving away from the scene. Investigators will review surveillance footage. The who's who of high-society, international politicians, and, of course, famous Hollywood movie stars were regularly spotted at the residence. Melius was shot in the head in the attack last year. "I have never thought five minutes about it, I have not had five minutes of fear," Melius said. Police said Melius had made it out of surgery by Monday evening and was alert and in stable condition. Otto Hermann Kahn was a German Jewish immigrant who made his name as a financier and businessman after coming to the U.S. in 1893. Was it a former business partner or rival? HUNTINGTON, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- The victim of an assassination attempt on Long Island spoke out Tuesday, a year after he was shot in front of the historic mansion he owns. Meet Donald 'Pee Wee' Gaskins, The Cannibal Serial Killer Who Allegedly Murdered 90 People. The shooting was characterized by police as an assassination attempt but a year later, the case indeed appears to have gone cold, prompting friends and family to up the $100,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the shooter. Oheka Castle owner Gary Melius, 69, shot in the head by masked gunman Once Melius was in stable condition, a whos-who of local politics have been visiting him in the hospital in a show of supportDAmato, of course, plus former Freeport Mayor Andrew Hardwick, Nassau County Executive Ed Mangano and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone, among others. This case is the biggest whodunit to hit Long Island in recent memory. Devils shutout rival Rangers in Game 7 for 1st series win since 2012, Manhattan subway argument turns deadly: NYPD, Canadian folk singer Gordon Lightfoot dies at age 84, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. "I am disappointed and surprised, and I disagree vehemently," he fumed then. The cost of restorations and improvements to Oheka Castle over 20 years reportedly cost about $37 million, making it the largest restoration project in U.S. history, according to the estate's website. Letter From The Owner of the Historic OHEKA CASTLE One person of interest early on in the investigation was his son, Thomas Melius -- a young man with a troubled past. It is a nod to Kahn's hometown in Germany. Newsday reporter discusses assassination attempt of Oheka Castle owner 4 years later. Shock spread among guests at the hotel and banquet hall after the shooting Monday. Perhaps Fitzgerald might have described these nostalgic revelers with this fitting passage from Gatsby "boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.". It is a popular wedding venue for socialites, celebrities, and dignitaries, as well as the backdrop to many photo shoots, television series and films. Paying per signature is illegal. Melius, who was born in Jackson Heights, Queens, has long been involved with the Democratic, Republican and Independence parties, contributing more than $800,000 total to the three parties since 1999, according to state records. But the estate was no longer the playground for the rich and famous it once was. Gary Melius adopted him. Melius boasts of friendships with King and Democratic Rep. Steve Israel. The owner of Oheka Castle, Gary Melius, was gunned down in his car, authorities said, by a suspect who may have been wearing a mask. As a family-owned business it is my personal goal to ensure that everyone who enters the gates of OHEKA feels like a welcome guest, whether you are attending a wedding, staying in one of our guest rooms, joining us for dinner, or going on an Historic Mansion Tour. A look at the swimming pool at Oheka Castle. Oheka Castle - Wikipedia He also holds an M.A. At the palatial residence Tuesday, Melius told Gusoff he has not lost faith in police, but hopes for new leads. The 69-year-old went into shock immediately after he was shot and his recollection of the shooting are hazy, police say. It is supposedly the largest restoration in the U.S. to date. The kickback from the shot caused the gun to malfunction and likely saved his life, 1010 WINS News Director Ben Mevorach reported. The whole thing is awful, Jacobs told the Press shortly after the shooting. So who does Melius think wanted him dead? Gary Melius was shot at point blank range while getting into his car in the parking lot of his Long Island venue - Oheka Castle - on February 24. ", Oheka Castle is one of Long Island's most exclusive hotels, located in Huntington, N.Y. Police initially believed Melius was shot was he tried to climb into his car and got a lucky break when two bullets missed. Instead, he says, authorities should be looking into whether a certain political foe of his was involved. Gary Melius, the owner of Oheka Castle in Huntington, N.Y., was shot Monday morning by a masked gunman. They have reviewed the castles video surveillance footage, but it reportedly did not catch the face of the would-be killer. "When I first bought the property, it looked like something from a horror movie," Melius said. The grounds also featured a beautiful grand lawn with a reflective pool and fountains interwoven into its design as well as an 18-hole golf course. Its a puzzle, says Newsdays Sandra Peddie. It began with hauling out 300 trailer trucks worth of trash over the first six months of repairs. Long Island castle owner who was shot through the eye was $6m in debt Suozzi still lost in November. But at Manganos second inauguration, Melius was basking on stage as one of the honored guests seated in rows behind the podium, where he chatted with Congressman Steve Israel (D-Huntington). Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota after visiting shooting victim and Oheka Castle Owner Gary Melius at North Shore University Hospital on Wednesday. 25 Jaw-Dropping Photos Of Oheka Castle, The Real Gatsby Mansion On Long Island. Bleeding profusely, Melius stumbled back toward the castle. Melius once was nearly $6 million in debt, according to the Daily News, and owed the Trump Taj Mahal some $100,000 in 1992. Much of the remainder of the property was developed into single-family homes. "They wanted to help some way and felt, you know, really helpless," Melius said. A receiver has been appointed to oversee operations at Oheka Castle in Huntington as part of the ongoing foreclosure case brought by its lender. Details of the tapestry and chandeliers that adorn the inside of the estate. A lone masked shooter blasted through the car window and struck the 69-year-old in the head before speeding away, reportedly in a Jeep Cherokee. The owner, who also lives there, was shot by an unknown assailant Monday. image: coldwell banker harbor light. What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch.