The paper reports records show that Thomas Melius was released from a months-long jail stint just five days before his father was shot. Melius bought Oheka Castle in 1984 and soon began restoring it. After the shooting, Rosenberg says, he managed to stagger back to the castle and call for help. Cops also hadn't determined how many shots were fired and had not interviewed the victim. 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. Tennis courts, stables, orchards, a landing strip, and a large private greenhouse were also on the property. Paying per signature is illegal. At the power lunches hed host in the mahogany-paneled dining room with an assortment of Long Island luminaries and wanna-beslike New York Giants football stars showing off their heavy Super Bowl rings to enterprising businesswomen showing off their dcolletageMelius would not put on airs or adopt an attitude. Gary Melius has a vast and complicated business enterprise, so that means there are a lot of places to look. Castle owner Melius survived the shooting by a masked gunman in the . . He once owed close to $6m in debts - including $100,000 to Donald Trump's Taj . The owner, who also lives there, was shot by an unknown assailant Monday. Okeha Castle Owner Speaks About Shooting Incident - YouTube Gary Melius shooting still shrouded in mystery 4 years later. It has been two years since Oheka Castle owner Gary Melius was shot in the head and the FBI now says it is getting involved. Hed make his case that the two major parties had failed the republic and then move on. For years, Oheka Castle was the site of the hottest parties on the East Coast. "This is an active, ongoing investigation, we're not going to be commenting," said a Suffolk County Police spokeswoman. Thank God!. He was most famous for reorganizing the Union Pacific Railroad alongside railroad tycoon E. H. Harriman. State Supreme . But he declined to give them specific details, Newsday said. Footage shows 2 cars approaching scene where Oheka Castle owner Gary Oheka Castle owner recovering after murder attempt; Hunt for gunman continues By ABC13 Tuesday, February 25, 2014 HUNTINGTON, NY It happened on the mansion's lavish grounds in broad. (KEVIN P. COUGHLIN/Kevin P. Coughlin/Flying Dog Pho), Frank Mackay, chairman of Suffolk's Independence Party, called the shooting "gutless.". Its a puzzle, says Newsdays Sandra Peddie. It has since been converted into a 32-bedroom luxury hotel featuring a grand ballroom, restaurant and bar, a swimming pool, and more. Newsday reporter discusses assassination attempt of Oheka Castle owner 4 years later. He rebounded and bought it back for $30 million in 1998. Oheka Castle, also known as the Otto Kahn Estate, is a hotel located on the North Shore of Long Island, in West Hills, New York, also known as the "Gold Coast," a hamlet in the town of Huntington. Meet Donald 'Pee Wee' Gaskins, The Cannibal Serial Killer Who Allegedly Murdered 90 People. Melius, a supporter of the third-party candidate, then contacted Dale seeking to have the young man investigated. Gary Melius, the owner of Oheka Castle in Long Island, was shot Monday by a masked gunman, police said. In 1984, Oheka was purchased by Gary Melius, a Long Island developer. LaHilden/TwitterRestoration efforts to restore Oheka Castle to its former glory and upgrade amenities cost $37 million over 20 years. Catch up on the days top five stories every weekday afternoon. SYNPSH Company Profile | CROIX, HAUTS DE FRANCE, France | Competitors Oheka Castle's entirety was kept in tip-top shape by a team of 126 full-time servants. Independence Party Chairman Frank Mackay, a close confidante of Melius, was in Louisiana with his family when the shooting occurred and was almost overcome with worry. The employees entrance at the rear of the property, however, has no such securityand provides a quicker exit. 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. Much of the remainder of the property was developed into single-family homes. 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. In 1988, unable to continue financing the massive project, Melius sold the property to Hideki Yokoi for $22.5 million. It became a hotel that has hosted celebrity weddings. Oheka Castle, also known as the Otto Kahn Estate, is a hotel located on the North Shore of Long Island, in West Hills, New York, also known as the "Gold Coast," a hamlet in the town of Huntington. It was built 100 years ago on one of Long Island's highest points. He was rushed by a family member to nearby Syosset Hospital and was said to be alert and conscious after being transferred to North Shore University Hospital in Manhasset. Rice's decision drew the ire of her one-time political ally, Nassau County Democratic Party Chairman Jay Jacobs. The witness, Randy White, was a campaign worker for third-party candidate Andrew Hardwick. Melius, a supporter of the third-party candidate, then contacted Dale seeking to have the young man investigated. "I have never thought five minutes about it, I have not had five minutes of fear," Melius said. 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. Restorations of Oheka Castle have cost $37 million over the last 20 years. He stuck with it but the costs of renovation were steep, and so in 1988 he sold Oheka to a Japanese businessman for $22 million. No license plates were visible on either vehicle, Newsday reported. Oheka Castle owner Gary Melius, 69, shot in the head by masked gunman Mevorach asked. Christopher Twarowski, Spencer Rumsey, Timothy Bolger and Rashed Mian, Melius call to former Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Dale, Private Guided Bike Tour Thru Wine CountryGet a Workout with Your Wine. Melius said he has recovered from his injuries. Last year, he was at the heart of a political scandal that led to the resignation of Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Dale. Oheka Castle: A Modern Day "Gatsby" Mansion | The Extravagant 25 Jaw-Dropping Photos Of Oheka Castle, The Real Gatsby Mansion On Long Island. 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. Oheka Castle - Wikipedia It is my pleasure to welcome you to my home. The premise of the show was to give viewers an "all-access pass inside America's most enormous, opulent and advanced Mega Mansions. If this near- death experience has done anything it is a reminder to live each day, celebrate life and embrace your family. Now, Oheka Castle is once again among the most famous estates in all of Long Island. Detectives were scanning hours of surveillance video and visitor logs. [15], Interactive map showing Oheka Castles location, U.S. National Register of Historic Places, "Oheka Castle, a Historic Hotels of America member", "National Register of Historic Places Registration: Oheka", New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation, "Guest Services at Oheka Luxury Amenities in Long Island", "Weiner weds Clinton aide at Oheka Castle", "Developer Is Shot in the Head Outside His Long Island Castle", "That mega house in Liam Payne's new music video may look familiar", "Jennifer Lopez & Maluma Get Steamy in Sexy Two-Part Music Video! The historic Oheka Castle in Huntington is brimming with stories that would fill any bride's fantasies. When Melius fell on hard times financially in 1988, he sold the property to a Japanese company. 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. When I first saw OHEKA back in 1984, even in its devastated state, I fell in love. Melius, whod worked as a bowling alley pin setter and a plumbers helper before striking it rich in real estate, acquired the property in 1984 for $1.5 million and reportedly contemplated tearing it down because vandals had had the run of the place for several years. "First place they look is my family so it was a tough thing to get used to," Melius said. For the next four years, the building remained empty, during which time over 100 documented arson attempts occurred, all of which the building survived, demonstrating Kahn's success in building a fireproof building. The castle is now a hotel with 32 guest rooms and suites. The property cost owner Otto Hermann Kahn a total of $11 million. Oheka Castle is said to be the inspiration behind Scott F. Fitzgerald's 1925 book. One person of interest early on in the investigation was his son, Thomas Melius -- a young man with a troubled past. Sources told Newsday the suspect pressed a gun against Melius' closed window, then fired a round. Melius myriad business dealings? John O'Sullivan said. Ive had my differences with Gary politically but this is really just a tremendously awful act I hope that he does well and pulls through this. MacKidNPascack/TwitterThe castle was allegedly the inspiration behind the 1925 novel The Great Gatsby. But no one has been able to answer who shot Gary Melius. A family member drove Melius to the hospital, where he underwent surgery for a bullet wound to his forehead. God bless you all.. "As best as we can determine, (Melius) was entering his vehicle," Suffolk Police Detective Sgt. The columns of Oheka Castle show the architecture's European influences. Suffolk County district attorney visits Oheka Castle owner Gary Melius 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. It began with hauling out 300 trailer trucks worth of trash over the first six months of repairs. This is the library at Oheka Castle which includes a secret passageway behind one of the bookshelves. In 2016, then-Suffolk Police Commissioner Tim Sini released. Gary Melius criticizes the former district attorney for not releasing the video immediately, says Peddie. Melius once was nearly $6 million in debt, according to the Daily News, and owed the Trump Taj Mahal some $100,000 in 1992. In 2013, Melius was part of a controversy that resulted in the ouster of then-Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Dale over the arrest of a witness in an election lawsuit. Melius political dealings have also resulted in some controversy. Melius has engaged in political skirmishes with some of Long Island's most powerful officials, a high-ranking political source told the Daily News. But something about the castle must have had a deep hold on him because he could not walk away from it. "There is a reward for $100,000 leading to the arrest and conviction," Melius said. We spent dusk til dawn filming at Oheka Castle. Visitors to the estate must pass by its long driveway which is lined with manicured red cedar trees. "He said he had evidence of witness tampering and other crimes," the source said. #TheFBIs 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. But the estate was no longer the playground for the rich and famous it once was. Dare to Enter Long Island Haunted Houses I look forward to getting back to work. Think "haunted houses on Long Island" and the "Amityville Horror" house, where Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered six family members in 1974, is sure to be among the top ones that come to mind. Did a Long Island wedding lead to an attempted murder in Florida? 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. "Some would ask, why not have that reward out there two weeks after or a month after?" Visitors were greeted by a long driveway lined with manicured red cedar trees that led you into the property. After its original owner died, Oheka Castle was used as a retirement home and then a military academy until it was eventually abandoned. Police said they don't know if the gunman and Melius exchanged any words before the shooting. Melius is a prominent developer and political contributor and is well-known and well-liked. Proposed condo projects pit neighbor against neighbor as court fights Still, Oheka Castle remains an impressive sight. "I don't know if you ever can ever get your reputation back," Melius said. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Oheka Castle's construction began in 1917 and was completed two years later. Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota after visiting shooting victim and Oheka Castle Owner Gary Melius at North Shore University Hospital on Wednesday. Melius has clearly gambled his life on Oheka Castle. Inside Oheka Castle, The Real-Life 'Gatsby' Mansion - All That's Visitors can tour other Historic Gold Coast Mansions, such as the Vanderbilt Museum, Old Westbury Gardens, Mill Neck Manor, and Coe Hall, which collectively were the inspiration for the classic novel, "The Great Gatsby"; relax on one of Long Island's beautiful sandy beaches; enjoy a classical music concert by the LI Philharmonic at the Tilles Center; or indulge in a wine tasting in Long Island's Wine Country on the North Fork. Was Typhoid Mary A Reckless Superspreader Or A Tragic Victim? Everyone thought I was crazy to purchase the dilapidated estate but I saw the potential and also recognized the importance of OHEKA and its historic significance to America and the Gold Coast of Long Island. Former President Bill Clinton presided over the wedding of then-Rep. Anthony Weiner and Huma Abedin, a close aide to then-Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton, in 2010. "I not only don't know -- I can't think of why anybody who would kill me," Melius said. The moment the Oheka Castle's owner was shot in his Mercedes February 25, 2016 | 3:25pm. Restoration efforts to restore Oheka Castle to its former glory and upgrade amenities cost $37 million over 20 years. So who does Melius think wanted him dead? John O'Sullivan said that it does not appear to be an accidental shooting, but that neither the shooter nor a motive has been identified. Kevin Jonas, of the Jonas Brothers, married Danielle Deleasa there in 2009. The owner of Oheka Castle, Gary Melius, told NBC 4 New York that his stepson Tommy has been "put through the ringer" by police for the last four months in connection with the Feb. 24 shooting. Who shot Melius and why? Get the latest business insights from Dun & Bradstreet. "Are you any closer today, Gary, to knowing who did this to you?" (Christie M. Farriella for New. 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. Gary Melius, the owner of Suffolk County's Oheka Castle who was shot in the head in February, has released his first comments on the incident in a video statement. Not bad for a guy whod bankrolled the entire losing campaign of Manganos supposed opponent, Freeport Mayor Andrew Hardwick, for $23,000. [7] Ten years later, following a lawsuit, the building passed to one of Yokoi's daughters and her husband. Police stand in front of Oheka castle on Long Island after the owner Gary Melius was shot on the premises. It was Melius call to former Nassau County Police Commissioner Thomas Dale requesting Randy White, a Roosevelt resident, be charged with perjury in an election lawsuit that made headlines last Decemberresulting in Whites arrest and Dales resignation following a Nassau County District Attorney probe that ultimately cleared the developer, Dale and Mangano of criminality, but infuriated Nassau Democratic Chairman Jay Jacobs for giving the Mangano administration a pass. Was it related to politics, as one source with close ties to Melius who did not want his name used adamantly tells the Press? The who's who of high-society, international politicians, and, of course, famous Hollywood movie stars were regularly spotted at the residence. Link to logo, AAA Four Diamond Award Logo, Link to logo, Historic Hotels Worldwide Logo. DAmato told reporters gathered at the hospital that the shooting was an assassination attempt. 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. (Christie M. Farriella for New York Daily News). The grounds of Oheka Castle include a beautiful formal garden with a reflective pool amongst its trimmed bushes. Ron Rosenberg, Melius's close friend and lawyer, is reeling not just at the crime, but also at the fact the his friend is already awake and talking in the hospital and expected to make a full recovery. Police interviewed Melius at his hospital bed for the first time Tuesday. By submitting your email to receive this newsletter, you agree to our. In shock," she said. It took 18 months to scrape off the original paint from the railings during initial repairs. Suffolk County investigators poring over the surveillance footage believe the two cars might have been involved in what appears to be a botched hit, Newsday said, citing law enforcement and Nassau government sources. 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 campaign irregularities eventually got Hardwick sacked from the ballot. A family member? My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. But the owner of the mansion, Gary Melius, lived through a much darker experience. Construction began in 1917 and was completed after two years. Throughout the years Melius has been impartial in his campaign contributions, doling out hundreds of thousands of dollars to politicians without party preference, according to state finance records. Was it a former business partner or rival? The historic Oheka Castle in Huntington is brimming with stories that would fill any bride's fantasies. "But I saw what it needed, that it could become something great.". Infamous (and possibly haunted) Long Island home. He reportedly renegotiated its $27.9-million mortgage last August and had defaulted on the loan in 2012. Gary Melius, owner of Oheka Castle in Long Island, was shot on Monday. In 1948, Eastern Military Academy purchased the castle and 23 acres (9.3ha) of its property, bulldozed the gardens and subdivided the rooms. / CBS New York. Gary Melius, the owner of Oheka Castle in Huntington, N.Y., was shot Monday morning by a masked gunman. Police stand in front of Oheka Castle on Long Island after owner Gary Melius was shot on the premises Monday. What is The Best Japanese Restaurant on Long Island? It also offers a bar, restaurant, and mansion tours of the estate and gardens. ", "MrBeast Reveals Why He Spent $1 Million for One Night in a Hotel", Gold Coast Mansions Historic Long Island Home, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Oheka_Castle&oldid=1147042569. Oheka Castle is one of Long Island's most exclusive hotels, located in Huntington, N.Y. Or was the gunman simply a disgruntled employee of the Gold Coast castle? Gary Melius has hosted several celebrity events at his castle, including Debbie Gibson's 2nd annual Gibson Girl Foundation Benefit on May 21, 2012. Oheka Castle owner Gary Melius (right) with his son, Thomas. Now that you've learned about the multimillion-dollar Oheka Castle in Long Island, go inside nine abandoned castles that are now haunting shells of their former glory. Gary Melius, 70, is reportedly adamant that his son had nothing to do with it. Who Makes The Best Cookies on Long Island? "I am disappointed and surprised, and I disagree vehemently," he fumed then. In 2004, Oheka was listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Looking at the well-kept furnishings, it's difficult to believe that Oheka Castle was ever in disrepair. It is now a popular wedding venue. Gary Melius shooting still shrouded in mystery 4 years later Castle Owner's Connections Investigated in Shooting - WSJ Kahn's dream house was a 109,000-square-foot French-style mansion with a grand staircase in the entryway foyer modeled after the Chateau de Fontainebleau in France. . (KEVIN P. COUGHLIN/Kevin P.. 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. First published on February 24, 2015 / 7:08 PM. Gary Melius, the owner of Oheka Castle in Huntington, N.Y., was shot Monday morning by a masked gunman.
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