Then, from 1948 to 1979 it was occupied by the Eastern Military Academy until it closed. The owner, who also lives there, was shot by an unknown assailant Monday. The school occupied the house until it closed in 1979. It was a big gamble, but it paid off. "I am disappointed and surprised, and I disagree vehemently," he fumed then. Gary Melius criticizes the former district attorney for not releasing the video immediately, says Peddie. In an exclusive interview Tuesday with WINS, Melius said he is doing "fine" physically and addresses questions about the shooting and the investigation. 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. Police interviewed Melius at his hospital bed for the first time Tuesday. After the shooting, Rosenberg says, he managed to stagger back to the castle and call for help. Oheka Castle is said to be the inspiration behind Scott F. Fitzgerald's 1925 book. The 70-year-old developer and major political donor. He plays cards with Republican former Sen. Alfonse D'Amato. What is The Best Tex-Mex Restaurant on Long Island? He once owed close to $6m in debts - including $100,000 to Donald Trump's Taj . According to sources cited by the newspaper, security footage shows a black sedan pulling into the valet area - followed by a Jeep Cherokee. document.write(new Date().getFullYear());. One things for sure: Someone wants Gary Melius dead. During that time, over 100 cases of attempted arson were reported at the mansion, but none ever caught flame thanks to Kahn's fireproof design. He also holds an M.A. As of press time, there had been no suspects named nor arrests made in the case. "It was not a robbery," D'Amato told Newsday after leaving his pal's hospital room, where cops were posted outside. 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. Inside the "house" were 127 rooms, a grand library housing a secret passageway behind one of the bookcases, and 39 working fireplaces. Otto Kahn bought the land for $1 million $158 million in today's currency. The name "Oheka" is an acronym using the first several letters of each part of its creator's name, Otto Hermann Kahn, which Kahn also used to name his yacht Oheka II and his ocean-front Villa Oheka in Palm Beach, Florida. August 29, 2014 / 11:47 AM Did a Long Island wedding lead to an attempted murder in Florida? In addition to weddings, the castle hosts fundraisers, galas and numerous other high-profile events. Gary Melius, a well-known Long Island developer and prominent political patron, was shot in the head by a masked gunman on Monday in the parking lot of his opulent Gold Coast estate . The house was featured in a book by subsequent owners who claimed . Roughly 222 new windows and doors as well as 4,000 new roof slates were purchased during the first years of Oheka Castle's renovations. 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. 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). Gary Melius, the owner of Oheka Castle in Huntington, N.Y., was shot Monday morning by a masked gunman. Orson Welles used its exterior to shoot some scenes there in 1940 for his American classic Citizen Kane. Police stand in front of Oheka Castle on Long Island after owner Gary Melius was shot on the premises Monday. I think hes going to make it! he told the Press when he was reached. It is also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The shooting was captured on surveillance. The columns of Oheka Castle show the architecture's European influences. "Some would ask, why not have that reward out there two weeks after or a month after?" Melius's friends are just amazed at his resilience. The shooter fled and has not been captured. Officials from both sides of the political aisle have often been his guests. Two years were spent building an artificial hill on which to place the home, giving it views of Cold Spring Hills and Cold Spring Harbor.[4]. Who shot Melius and why? Following a 911 call to police, officers, dogs and a police helicopter descended on the estate. "To realize that he was able to recover from the shot, go back into Oheka, call the police," Rosenberg said. The paper reports records show that Thomas Melius was released from a months-long jail stint just five days before his father was shot. 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. My thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. 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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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. Gary Melius has a vast and complicated business enterprise, so that means there are a lot of places to look. [3] He was determined to build a fireproof building, so he had his architects, Delano and Aldrich, design it in steel and concrete, making it one of the first totally fireproof residential buildings. I look forward to getting back to work. Authorities set up informational checkpoints, interviewing passing motorists and anyone else who might have seen something useful. Melius myriad business dealings? Police stand in front of Oheka castle on Long Island after the owner Gary Melius was shot on the premises. 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. Originally a 127-room "house," Oheka Castle is now a 32-bedroom hotel. He holds an M.S. Thomas Melius' attorney, Dennis Lemke, told Newsday that his client was in an inpatient drug program at the time of the crime. "Did you ever directly ask your son if he had any involvement?" Police believe the Jeep carried the masked, hooded shooter who climbed out of the car and walked straight to Melius. Gary Melius, the owner of Oheka Castle in Long Island, was shot on Monday by a masked shooter. 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. Gary Melius has hosted several celebrity events at his castle, including Debbie Gibson's 2nd annual Gibson Girl Foundation Benefit on May 21, 2012. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE FULL INTERVIEW. Oheka Castle owner and poker player Gary Melius 'extremely lucky' to Detectives were scanning hours of surveillance video and visitor logs. Dare to Enter Long Island Haunted Houses 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. Hed make his case that the two major parties had failed the republic and then move on. 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. a masked gunman drove up to the renowned catering hall and opened fire. Oheka Castle also been seen as a backdrop in a number of movies, including "Citizen Kane," television shows and magazine photo shoots, and it has been used for high-profile political events and fundraisers. In 1946 the golf course and stables became part of the Cold Spring Country Club,[5][6] and the greenhouse complex operated as Otto Keil Florist. Suffolk County Police declined to comment on the video surveillance Thursday. "First place they look is my family so it was a tough thing to get used to," Melius said. DAmato told reporters gathered at the hospital that the shooting was an assassination attempt. 2015 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. In recent weeks, Melius spoke with law enforcement authorities investigating political corruption, the source said. The name "Oheka" is a play on the original owner's full name, Otto Hermann Kahn, who modeled the estate on the stylish chateaus of France. "We've had our differences in the political realm," he said. 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. The property cost owner Otto Hermann Kahn a total of $11 million. the gunman fired a shot into his driver's side window. His daughter rushed him to Syosset Hospital. "We don't have a motive at this point. Gary Melius, the owner of Oheka Castle in Long Island, was shot Monday by a masked gunman, police said. Its original 443-acre plot has shrunk to 23 acres over the last century. Police said they don't know if the gunman and Melius exchanged any words before the shooting. Gusoff asked. But something about the castle must have had a deep hold on him because he could not walk away from it. But the owner of the mansion, Gary Melius, lived through a much darker experience there. "Are you any closer today, Gary, to knowing who did this to you?" Oheka Castle - Wikipedia He said he is recovering. 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. Its later years were, unfortunately, less glamourous. But even Ohekawhich borrows from the name of its originator, Otto Herman Kahnhas had some interesting reincarnations, too. But he declined to give them specific details, Newsday said. Police stand in front of Oheka castle on Long Island after the owner Gary Melius was shot on the premises. Investigators will review surveillance footage. . The castle was allegedly the inspiration behind the 1925 novel, European fugitive who faked his own death and was found living in his lavish French castle. Gary Melius, owner of Oheka Castle in Long Island, was shot on Monday. "I don't know who would ever want to hurt someone so nice and generous and thoughtful. Letter From The Owner of the Historic OHEKA CASTLE The campaign irregularities eventually got Hardwick sacked from the ballot. In a lawsuit Democrats filed to challenge Hardwick's nominating petitions, White testified he was paid per signature, not by the hour, by Hardwick's campaign. Otto Hermann Kahn used Oheka Castle as his family's summer home where they famously threw the most extravagant parties on the East Coast. "There is a reward for $100,000 leading to the arrest and conviction," Melius said. These days, Oheka Castle hosts daily tours of its gorgeous property. Gary Melius exited a side door of his palatial mansion estate and entered his Mercedes-Benz parked in its back courtyard. Melius was shot in the head in the attack last year. In 2016, then-Suffolk Police Commissioner Tim Sini released. A family member drove Melius to the hospital, where he underwent surgery for a bullet wound to his forehead. Gunfire at the Castle: Who Shot Oheka's Owner? And Why? - LI Press Police were not aware of any prior threats on Melius' life, O'Sullivan said. A shooter tried to gun down Gary Melius, the powerful owner of Oheka Castlethe palatial hotel, restaurant, catering hall and frequent film set in Huntingtonbut Melius survived a gunshot wound to the head in broad daylight as he got into his car at the estate on Feb. 24. Oheka Castle's construction began in 1917 and was completed two years later. Receiver appointed in Oheka foreclosure case - Long Island Business News image: coldwell banker harbor light. 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. Melius once was nearly $6 million in debt, according to the Daily News, and owed the Trump Taj Mahal some $100,000 in 1992. It is my pleasure to welcome you to my home. Melius boasts of friendships with King and Democratic Rep. Steve Israel. 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. Celebrities who have been married there include Curtis Martin, Kevin Jonas,[10][11] Megyn Kelly,[12] Joey Fatone,[13] Brian McKnight, former U.S. congressman Anthony Weiner,[14] and comedian Yannis Pappas. Originally built for financier Otto Kahn in 1921, the 126-room Oheka is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Shock spread among guests at the hotel and banquet hall after the shooting Monday. 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. The employees entrance at the rear of the property, however, has no such securityand provides a quicker exit. If you look closely, the estate is peppered with the symbol of the Linden tree. Restorations of Oheka Castle have cost $37 million over the last 20 years. The cold-blooded shooter aimed several times at the wounded Melius and pulled the trigger, according to Newsday's sources. 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. Oheka Castle owner recovering after murder attempt; Hunt for gunman SYNPSH Company Profile | CROIX, HAUTS DE FRANCE, France | Competitors It was finally abandoned in 1980 and stood forgotten for years. Oheka Castle has become a popular location to shoot TV shows and movies. Other features of the 443-acre (179ha) complex included an 18-hole golf course designed by golf architect Seth Raynor, one of the largest private greenhouse complexes in America, tennis courts, an indoor swimming pool, a landing strip, orchards, and stables. Suozzi still lost in November. (KEVIN P. COUGHLIN/Kevin P.. A receiver has been appointed to oversee operations at Oheka Castle in Huntington as part of the ongoing foreclosure case brought by its lender. "I cooperated with the police in looking at him, whatever they wanted, but there's nothing.". Today, Oheka Castle is a luxury hotel located at the highest point of Long Island. "Yeah, I asked him, I asked him very strong and there's nothing," Melius said. Unfortunately, the castle fell into disarray after Kahn's death in 1934, changing owners several times before finally standing vacant for over a decade. . Owner Shot in Head at Oheka Castle, Prominent Wedding Venue on Long The district attorney found that Dale had instructed officers to arrest a 29-year-old Roosevelt man, who had testified in an unrelated case that he had been paid to collect signatures for a third-party candidate. Thomas Melius is the biological son of Gary Melius' wife. 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.

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