MONSEY – A Rockland father who was found fatally shot in the woods last week died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound, according to News 12 sources.
Ramapo police wouldn’t confirm the victim’s identity, but News 12 sources say the victim was Aron Austerlits. The information given to News 12 by police did match the details provided by News 12 sources. His body was found at Viola Park in Monsey.
Austerlits spent his entire life in the ultra-orthodox village of New Square until 2011 when he was allegedly banished by religious leaders.
Sources say the father of eight was banished alongside New Square firebombing victim Aron Rottenberg.
A friend of Austerlits said he helped a lot of people and gave charity to people privately.
