'Stop Hurting Us': Family Calls For Tenafly Cop's Release After He Shot, Killed Their Son

By Sam Barron From Daily Voice

The family of a former New York City police officer who was shot and killed by his own husband is calling for his husband's release from prison.

Joseph Grieco, a former Tenafly police officer, was sentenced to 11 years in prison after he was convicted of aggravated manslaughter in the 2023 accidental shooting that left John Kelly dead at their Vernon Township home.

On Tuesday, July 25, 2023, Grieco and Kelly were in their home after a night out with friends, the Sussex County Prosecutor's Office said. Grieco, who had been drinking, pulled out his gun and began to handle it, despite warnings that the gun was loaded, authorities said.

The firearm discharged, striking Kelly in the abdomen, Acting County Prosecutor Sahil Kabse said. Kelly was transported to a nearby where he was pronounced dead, Kabse said.

NJ Advance Media says Grieco told officers he'd been demonstrating how to kill a snake.

But Kelly's family told NBC New York they never wanted charges to be brought in the first place.

"We know this was an accident," Anne Ostrowski, Kelly's mother said. "Stop hurting us."

"We're the parents of the person who died," John Ostrowski, Kelly's father said. "We're backing Joe 1000%. He's family."

Kelly's obituary says that his death was a result of a "tragic accident" and mentions Grieco multiple times.

Kabse tells NBC New York: "While the wishes of the family are taken into consideration, the prosecutor may at times take disciplinary actions that are in conflict with the desires of the victims."

Grieco's lawyer said they plan to appeal. Grieco has written a letter to New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy requesting clemency.

"The governor needs to right this wrong," Anne said. "We love him. We know he did not intentionally hurt John."

Joseph Grieco has been convicted of aggravated manslaughter in the fatal shooting of his husband, John Kely, a retired NYPD officer in 2023 in Sussex County, authorities said.

Sussex County Sheriff/Mayor Michael Wildes Esq (right)

Kelly was raised in Westchester and Putnam Counties, where he developed a strong love for nature and the love of animals, his obituary reads. 

"John graduated from SUNY New Paltz and fulfilled his dream of becoming a police officer in a small town in Westchester County and then as a police officer for the NYC Police Department," the obituary says. "Later on, John achieved his Master's Degree in Corporate Communications at NYU to work in the private sector."

Kelly's obituary goes on to detail how he met Grieco through a mutual friend, and within 2.5 years, "they had set up a home with their Frenchies, Olive and Beesley. Spending the end of summer in Cape May with John's parents became a much-enjoyed tradition." The couple bought a mountaintop home at the border of NY and began clearing it with plans to build a forever home together.

To watch the NBC New York story, click here.