The quiet streets of Syracuse, New York, aren't usually the backdrop for the kind of news that stops a community's heart. But in March 2025, that’s exactly what happened. Honestly, it’s the kind of story that feels too heavy to even process, yet the name David Huff remains at the center of a legal case that has left Central New York reeling.
You've probably seen the headlines. They were everywhere for a week—flashing lights on Roney Road, somber press conferences, and a manhunt that felt like something out of a movie. But behind those 30-second news clips is a complex, devastating reality involving a father, his young son, and a woman who spent her life helping others.
The Night Everything Changed on Roney Road
It was late Monday evening, March 17, 2025. Syracuse Police got a call about a shooting at 128 Roney Rd. When they arrived, the scene was worse than anyone expected. Inside, they found 32-year-old Yeraldith Tschudy and 11-year-old Jeremiah Huff. Both were dead.
The details that emerged later are haunting. Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick shared a detail that most people find impossible to forget: Jeremiah’s mother was actually on the phone with him when it happened. She heard the unthinkable. Basically, she had to listen to the murder of her own son in real-time.
Police quickly identified David Huff, 43, as the primary suspect. He wasn't just some stranger; he was Jeremiah’s father and Tschudy’s boyfriend of about six months.
📖 Related: What Really Happened With Trump Revoking Mayorkas Secret Service Protection
Who is David Huff?
Before the events of March 2025, David Huff wasn't exactly a public figure. He lived a relatively quiet life in the Syracuse area. However, the investigation into his background and the events leading up to the shooting painted a picture of a man whose life was spiraling.
After the shooting, Huff didn't just disappear into thin air. He reportedly went to a local hospital. He was found lying down in an examination room, acting suspicious enough that a hospital employee flagged him to the authorities. He was eventually picked up by a New York State Trooper on March 18, about two miles from the crime scene.
The Victims: Lives Cut Short
To understand why this case hit Syracuse so hard, you have to look at who was lost.
- Jeremiah Huff: Just 11 years old. He was a sixth-grade student at Gillette Road Middle School in the North Syracuse School District. His mother, Samantha Gallup-Peltier, has since pleaded with the community to keep his memory alive. "Please don't stop saying his name," she told reporters.
- Yeraldith Tschudy: She was a social worker at Villa of Hope. She had immigrated to the U.S. from Colombia as a child and dedicated her career to helping people struggling with mental health and addiction. The irony—and the tragedy—is that someone who spent her life healing others lost hers in such a violent way.
A Malfunctioning Weapon and a Third Potential Victim
As the case moved to court, more shocking details came out. It turns out, Jeremiah and Yeraldith might not have been the only targets that night.
👉 See also: Franklin D Roosevelt Civil Rights Record: Why It Is Way More Complicated Than You Think
Huff was hit with an additional charge of attempted murder in May 2025. Why? Because prosecutors allege that on the same night of the double homicide, Huff pointed a 12-gauge shotgun at his stepfather, Charles O'Donnell, and pulled the trigger.
The only reason O'Donnell is alive today is because the gun malfunctioned. Assistant District Attorney Rob Moran noted in court that for whatever reason—a mechanical defect or being out of ammo—the round didn't fire.
The Current Legal Standing (2026)
So, where does the case stand now? David Huff is currently being held without bail at the Onondaga County Justice Center. It’s a maximum-security facility, and he’s facing a heavy list of charges:
- First-degree murder
- Two counts of second-degree murder
- Attempted murder (for the incident with his stepfather)
- Criminal possession of a weapon
The legal process has been slow. This isn't unusual for high-stakes murder trials in New York. The defense has been working through various motions, and there has been significant talk about Huff meeting with mental health experts.
✨ Don't miss: 39 Carl St and Kevin Lau: What Actually Happened at the Cole Valley Property
The District Attorney's office has made it clear they are seeking the maximum penalties allowed. For the family of Jeremiah and Yeraldith, the wait for justice is agonizing. A trial date has been tentatively discussed for mid-2026, though these things often shift.
Why This Case Matters Beyond the Headlines
This isn't just a "true crime" story for the people of Syracuse. It’s a wake-up call about domestic violence and the gaps in our support systems. Yeraldith Tschudy worked in mental health, yet she found herself in a situation that ended in a nightmare.
The community response has been a mix of rage and radical support. A GoFundMe for Jeremiah’s mother raised over $35,000 almost immediately, showing that while one person committed an act of darkness, thousands of others wanted to provide a bit of light.
Actionable Insights and Resources
If you are following the David Huff case or find yourself affected by similar community tragedies, here is how to stay informed and stay safe:
- Track Court Records: For those in New York, the WebCrims portal allows you to search for case statuses using the defendant's name. It's the most accurate way to see when the next hearing is scheduled.
- Support for Survivors: If you or someone you know is dealing with domestic instability, local Syracuse resources like Vera House provide 24/7 crisis intervention and support.
- Mental Health Awareness: The tragedy highlights the importance of early intervention. If you notice a friend or family member displaying erratic or threatening behavior involving weapons, contact local law enforcement for a "red flag" check, which can temporarily remove firearms from dangerous situations under New York's Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) law.
The trial of David Huff will likely be one of the most significant legal events in Onondaga County this year. It remains a somber reminder of the fragility of safety and the long road to healing for a grieving city.