New York State Police are searching for a man who is suspected of killing his father and setting fire to his Greenville home to cover it up.

The investigation began around 7:30 p.m. Thursday when emergency crews responded to a home on Greenville Turnpike that was engulfed in flames.

As firefighters battled the blaze, they found Robert Ryan, 70, dead inside the home. State police said the victim is believed to have been killed before the house was intentionally set on fire.

Investigators are now searching for 32-year-old Thomas David Ryan, who police say is wanted in connection with his father's death.

Robert Ryan's daughter, Stephanie Coiro, said her father was a pillar in both their family and every community he was a part of.

"He made you feel welcome, he helped when you needed, and then some," Coiro said. "He had more character in his pinky than most in their whole bodies, he did not deserve this."

Coiro said this is something that her family has feared for a long time. She said her brother, the suspect, has severe mental illness and has been off his medication - and that's when he becomes dangerous.

"He called my dad and said, 'oh I'm in Plattsburg, and I lost my bus ticket,' my dad went and picked him up, and brought him back to his house, probably to rest or to beat traffic and within the span of a few hours this happened," Coiro said.

"My dad was the best and I know everybody says that, but my dad was the definition of kind and generous and steadfast, and he would never turn his back on his son," Coiro said.

Not only has she lost her father, the grandfather of her children, but she says this was preventable and the signs have been there for 20 years.

"He had his first break at 16, hospitalization programs are only covered so long, medications can only be encouraged until 18, and then you can make your own decisions, and if you know anything about schizophrenia, schizophrenia will tell you you're fine," she said.

She says the family had been trying to get her brother help. Instead they were met with roadblocks and he's been in and out of prison.

Thomas David Ryan's story is one of of systemic failure, his sister believes.

"The scope of mental illness is vast and our systems are failing left and right, and if you're a family that's going through this and you fear this, advocate as loud as you can because your worst fear can come through. I'm living it," she said.

Police said Ryan was last seen in the area of Greenville Turnpike wearing a black T-shirt and black sweatpants. Images were recovered from the home security system and showed him leaving the scene, sources said.

Authorities believe he is driving a 2016 gray Toyota Prius with New York license plate HNH-7671.

The suspect considered armed and dangerous. He has seven prior arrests in New York City and is on probation until April of 2028.

Police are urging anyone who sees him not to approach him and to call 911 immediately or contact the State Police Middletown Bureau of Criminal Investigation at 845-344-5300.

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