CLOSE
Authors Posts by Press Release

Press Release

5656 POSTS 0 COMMENTS

by -
0 853
1 of 2
Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD
Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole a wallet in Medford last month.

A man allegedly stole a wallet containing cash and credit cards in the Michaels/NYS Department of Motor Vehicles shopping center, 2799 Route 112 on May 15 at approximately 10:40 a.m.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

by -
0 554
Do you recognize this man? Photo from SCPD

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate the man who allegedly stole merchandise from a Medford store.

A man allegedly stole a Craftsman lawn mower, valued at approximately $370, from Lowe’s, located at 2796 Route 112, on May 30 at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers offers a cash reward for information that leads to an arrest. Anyone with information about these incidents can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, utilizing a mobile app which can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

by -
0 771
Janell Funderburke

Janell Funderburke Will Be Sentenced to 25 Years to Life in Prison

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on June 3 that Janell Funderburke, 21, of Coram, pleaded guilty to Attempted Aggravated Murder and Robbery in the First Degree, arising out of two separate incidents that included the shooting a Suffolk County Police Officer in May 2023.

“Today’s guilty plea is a stark reminder of the critical role that law enforcement plays in upholding justice and maintaining the rule of law. This defendant’s heinous actions in shooting an officer, who had clearly identified himself, and then fleeing demonstrate a blatant and egregious disregard for the very fabric of our legal system,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Such acts of violence against those who protect our communities cannot be tolerated and will be met with the full force of justice. I want to thank the Suffolk County Police Department and especially Officer Lafauci for their exemplary work on this case.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on May 8, 2023, Funderburke arranged to meet two women in the vicinity of his residence on Homestead Drive in Coram. After meeting them, an argument ensued and then escalated to Funderburke pointing a black firearm at them

He then threatened to shoot one of the women and stole her money. The women reported the incident to police, and Funderburke was wanted in connection with the gunpoint robbery.

On May 11, 2023, at 12:45 p.m., Suffolk County Police Officer Michael Lafauci was conducting surveillance in Coram in relation to the May 8, 2023, armed robbery investigation when Funderburke was observed walking southbound on Homestead Drive. Officer Lafauci pulled behind Funderburke, exited his unmarked police vehicle and identified himself as a police officer, at which point the defendant began to flee. Officer Lafauci ran after the Funderburke on foot and ordered the defendant to show his hands. Funderburke refused to comply with the orders. As he continued to run, Funderburke turned back towards Officer Lafauci, extended a black firearm with his right hand, and fired twice.

Officer Lafauci was struck in his upper right thigh by one of the bullets and fell to the ground as Funderburke continued to run off towards his residence. Nearby members of the Suffolk County Police Department immediately administered emergency aid to Officer Lafauci. He was subsequently rushed to Stony Brook University Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

Following his arrest, a search warrant was executed against Funderburke’s residence where a loaded 9 mm semiautomatic pistol with an extended magazine, a quantity of fentanyl, and a quantity of the controlled substance carisoprodol were recovered. A microscopic ballistic examination of the pistol recovered from Funderburke’s residence was the same pistol used to shoot Officer Lafauci.

On June 3, 2024, Funderburke pleaded guilty before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr. to Attempted Aggravated Murder, a Class A-1 felony and Robbery in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony. Funderburke is expected to be sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

Funderburke is due back in court on July 11, 2024, and he is being represented by Christopher Cassar, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Bureau Chief James Slattery and Assistant District Attorneys Donald Barclay and William Richards with assistance from discovery expeditor Isabella Sestak of the Violent Criminal Enterprises Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Pilar O’Rourke of the Appeals Bureau. The investigation was conducted by Brendan O’Hara of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

by -
0 564
Harborfields High School science research students Jessica Dean, Jackson Dunham, Alexa Green, Riley Lyons and Leah Vapnyar complete their last session at the Cold Spring Harbor Labs Science Journal Club. Photo courtesy of Harborfields CSD

Harborfields High School science research students Jessica Dean, Jackson Dunham, Alexa Green, Riley Lyons and Leah Vapnyar recently completed their final session at the Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory’s Science Journal Club. The lab offers this program exclusively to Harborfields students.

During this school year, these five students attended 15 biweekly sessions at the Carnegie Library on the CSHL campus and presented landmark papers with both scientists and archivists. Additionally, they received a behind-the-scenes look at three labs on the cutting edge of research in breast cancer, neuroscience,and plant genetic engineering. Each student was presented with a certificate by the library archivists and scientists they had worked with throughout the year.

“The Science Journal Club gave these students not only an opportunity to enhance their public speaking skills, but also a chance to see real-world applications of the science concepts they learn in class,” science research teacher Michael Pinto said.

by -
0 595
Smithtown Supervisor Ed Wehrheim visits Mt. Pleasant Elementary School to see its new recyclable garden beds. Photo courtesy of Smithtown CSD

Town of Smithtown Supervisor Edward Wehrheim said he was amazed at what’s growing at Mt. Pleasant Elementary School.

“I’m coming back when there are cucumbers to pick,” he told the students.

The Town of Smithtown, Reworld Waste and the Smithtown Central School District teamed up to create the new garden. Kathy Smerechniak, the STEM specialist at Mt. Pleasant, has been working with the student council to nurture plants from seeds under grow lights.

Students have been actively involved in the maintenance of plants and have spent time learning about the life cycle of plants in their science curriculum.

On May 22, Wehrheim, Town Public Information Officer Nicole Garguilo, and Reworld staff visited the garden to see the students’ thriving plants in the garden beds. The vegetables grown in this garden will be donated to the local food pantry.

The garden beds, made from recycled material, were donated by Reworld along with seeds, compost, solar-powered water timers, and an irrigation system. The Town of Smithtown will continue to support Smithtown schools to advocate for additional opportunities at other elementary schools to develop similar projects.

by -
0 969
File photo

Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are investigating a shooting that seriously injured a Wyandanch man in Islandia on May 31.

A 38-year-old man was in the parking lot of Jake’s 58 Casino Hotel, located at 3635 Express Drive North, when he was approached by a person and shot twice. The shooter fled the scene. The victim entered the casino, where 911 was called at 10:18 p.m. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries.

Anyone with information on this shooting is asked to contact Fourth Squad detectives at 631-854- 8451 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

by -
0 809
Ward Melville High School student-athletes who committed to continuing their sports on the college and university levels are pictured with athletic department faculty during the College Athletic Commitments Ceremony. Photo courtesy of the Three Village CSD

During the annual College Athletic Commitments Ceremony, held in the Ward Melville High School gymnasium on May 22, 44 student-athletes announced their commitment to continue their sports at the college and university levels. Kevin Finnerty, executive director of health, physical education, recreation, and athletics congratulated the athletes on their dedication to their sports and the parents for their behind-the-scenes support.

Congratulations to all of the athletes!

Anna Albert, swimming, SUNY Cortland

Nicholas Armato, lacrosse, SUNY Oneonta

Grace Balocca, lacrosse, Villanova University

Norman Bergamaschi, football, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Daniel Brausch, football, Utica College

Zachary Brittman, lacrosse, SUNY Stony Brook

Ava Carrillo, lacrosse, Virginia Commonwealth University

Wilman Castellon, soccer, SUNY Oneonta

Olivia Comerford, lacrosse, University of Pennsylvania

Sophia Corpac, cheer, University of Rhode Island

Peyton Costello, soccer, College of William and Mary

Annabel Dimaculangan, swimming, Georgetown University

Robert Ehlers, football, SUNY Maritime

Robert Hauss, soccer, SUNY Cortland

Owen Haviland, soccer, Stevenson University

Abaigeal Higgins, swimming, University of Mary Washington

Sebastian Jolley, football, Hartwick College

Gabrielle Justiniano, soccer, Southeastern University

Aidan Kilduff, lacrosse, Mount St. Mary’s University

Griffin Kramer, football, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Ava LaMedica, lacrosse, Stetson University

Shawn Legge, volleyball, Juniata College

Brian Liebowitz, track & field/cross-country, SUNY Stony Brook

Hanna Matheson, swimming, Stevens Institute of Technology

Aidan McMinn, lacrosse, SUNY Binghamton

Riley Metz, diving, Tufts University

Brody Morgan, lacrosse, Towson University

Grace Mulham, lacrosse, Princeton University

Thomas Murphy, lacrosse, SUNY Stony Brook

Madden Murphy, lacrosse, Boston University

Harshith Pennabadi, tennis, Temple University

Amelia Pirozzi, lacrosse, Marist College

Amanda Probst, track & field/cross-country,
     Coastal Carolina University

Emilia Retzlaff, lacrosse, United States Naval Academy

Brady Reyling, baseball, SUNY Plattsburgh

Stephen Rosano, lacrosse, Sacred Heart University

Dalton Rutt, baseball, SUNY New Paltz

Kate Spinks, lacrosse, Brown University

Jake Sudaley, lacrosse, Saint Leo University

Maryjane Timpanaro, lacrosse, University of Rhode Island

Marissa Tonic, soccer, Marymount University

Vincent Vinciguerra, swimming, University of Pennsylvania

Kimberly Vosswinkel, cheer, Quinnipiac University

Jack Wheeler, lacrosse, Hartwick College

by -
0 1180
File photo

Suffolk County Police Seventh Squad detectives are investigating a two-vehicle crash that killed a man
in Calverton on May 31.

A 2023 Hyundai Elantra, driven by Scott Mancuso, attempted to make a left turn from the eastbound Long Island Expressway exit ramp at exit 71 to northbound Edwards Avenue when it was struck by a southbound 2013 Chevrolet Silverado, driven by Darnell Chandler, at approximately 7:05 a.m.

Mancuso, 48, of Ridge was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner.

Chandler, 24, of Calverton, was transported to Peconic Bay Medical Center for treatment of non-life-threatening injuries.

Both vehicles were impounded for safety checks. Detectives are asking anyone with information on this crash to call the Seventh Squad at 631-852- 8752.

by -
0 1143
File photo

Suffolk County Police Fourth Squad detectives are investigating a single vehicle crash that killed a motorcyclist in Smithtown on May 31.

Fourth Precinct officers responded to East Main Street, approximately 100 feet west of Terry Road, at
3:47 a.m. after a 911 caller reported a motorcycle crash. Detectives determined Corey Fitzpatrick was
traveling eastbound on a 1999 Harley-Davidson when he lost control of the motorcycle, which left the
roadway and struck a curb, a sign, and a fire hydrant before crashing into a fence.

Fitzpatrick, 29, of Farmingville, was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician assistant from the
Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner. The motorcycle was impounded for a safety check. Anyone with information about this crash is asked to contact Fourth Squad detectives at 631-854-8452.

by -
0 871
Martha Stansbury. Photo by Chelsea McKenna,  Finishing Touch

Stony Brook University’s Economic Development Office has named Martha Stansbury director of the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at Stony Brook. It was announced by Peter Donnelly, Associate Vice President for Technology Partnerships, Economic Development. Stansbury has worked with SBDC at Stony Brook as the center administrator since 2017 developing budgets as well as managing operations. She will report to Donnelly in her new role.

Stansbury will oversee a team of eight at SBDC at Stony Brook. The Center is located at the university’s Research and Development Park (Building 17) in Stony Brook, New York.

SBDC at Stony Brook provides free, one-on-one, confidential business advising in areas including business planning, marketing, fiscal management, access to capital and technology transfer. The Center will help  assist entrepreneurs, business and industry leaders to solve  their problems and  increase productivity and profitability.

“Martha will bring a wealth of experience, passion and vision to SBDC at Stony Brook in her new role,” said Donnelly. “Martha’s commitment to community engagement is also evident through her many external roles including as a member of the Women Economic Developers of Long Island serving in the roles as vice president and president. Martha has also been a trustee of the Three Village Chamber of Commerce and was voted in 2020 to her present role as treasurer. Last year, Martha received the Chamber’s Roy Dragoda Award for 15 years of community service with the Chamber and voted as the 2024 Member of the Year for her contributions to the Chamber’s financial management system.”

The New York Small Business Development Center (NY SBDC) comprises 20 campus-based centers and outreach offices (including the SBDC at Stony Brook) across New York State. NY SBDC  is overseen by the State University of New York (SUNY) System Administration. Since 1984, NY SBDC has helped 582,806 state residents. $8.7B has been used so far to start or expand businesses with 263,997 jobs created/saved. It is part of the US Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs), which funds the NY SBDC.

“I am honored to have been given the opportunity to lead the Small Business Development Center at Stony Brook as the New York State-wide network embarks on its 40th year, “ said Stansbury. “Together with the Center’s experienced NYS Certified Business Advisors and support from Economic Development, I will endeavor to increase the economic impact our Center has in the small-to-medium-size enterprise arena throughout Suffolk County.”

Previous to her present position, the East Setauket resident has also served as a management consultant where she provided facility management of Stony Brook University’s Business Incubator and Agriculture Consumer Center. She also served as a business manager for Gallery North; a management consultant,  accounting systems manager for an international LCD distributor ; assistant to the director of development at Boston College; and a Commercial Real Estate Analyst for the Bank of New England. Stansbury  earned her MBA from Fordham Gabelli School of Business and a bachelor’s degree in early childhood education and teaching from Boston College.

Prev1...174175176...566Next Page 175 of 566
TBR News Media is your local news and entertainment website.
We provide you with the latest breaking news and information for your community.
Contact us: [email protected]

Most Viewed

©