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Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

Stony Brook softball completed a three-game sweep of Hofstra, defeating the Pride, 7-1, on April 14 at Bill Edwards Stadium in Hempstead. The win is Stony Brook’s 11 straight overall and the ninth consecutive in CAA play.

Mia Haynes got the win for Stony Brook. The right-hander went the distance on Sunday, giving up one run on seven hits, with four walks and six strikeouts.

Naiah Ackerman, Corinne Badger and Kyra McFarland all plated a pair of runs in the victory, while Alyssa Costello and Catherine Anne Kupinski tallied multiple hits at the dish.

Hofstra struck first on Sunday on a first-inning homer. Stony Brook was held scoreless for the opening three frames before breaking through in the fourth inning. Kupinski and Badger doubled to begin the frame, tying the game at 1-1. Ackerman singled Badger home to give Stony Brook its first lead before Costello came up with a two-out hit that padded the Seawolves’ lead to two runs.

The Seawolves tacked on insurance runs in the fifth, with Badger and Ackerman producing a run each in the frame.

Stony Brook held Hofstra without a run before expanding their lead to 7-1 the following inning. The Seawolves added two to their tally on McFarland’s two-run, inside-the-park  home run in the sixth.

Haynes closed the door, completing what she started to earn her 10th victory of the season and the second of the weekend.

“This was a true team win with so many players contributing to the final outcome,” head coach Megan T. Bryant said. “Mia showed what a tough competitor she is, and her team backed her up offensively and defensively. What an important series this was for us. We went out with a great approach, taking one game at a time, to earn the sweep.”

Photo from Stony Brook Athletics

The Stony Brook University men’s lacrosse team scored seven times in the final 15 minutes, but came up short in a 16-12 loss at Delaware on April 13. A 10-2 run by the Seawolves trimmed the deficit to three goals late in the contest, but the late push was not enough.

Stony Brook found itself in an early three-goal hole before Dylan Pallonetti caused a turnover and promptly found the back of the net to open the scoring for the Seawolves. 

Pallonetti’s tally was Stony Brook’s lone goal of the first half, as the Blue Hens scored six more times and held the Seawolves scoreless in the second quarter to open up a 9-1 advantage at the half.

Delaware’s run continued into the second half, extending Stony Brook’s deficit to double-digit goals, 12-1, at the 10-minute mark of the third quarter. Stony Brook would score four of the game’s next six goals, including a pair from Jack Dougherty, to whittle the deficit to nine heading into the final 15 minutes.

The Blue Hens regained their double-digit lead with a goal to open the fourth, but the Seawolves turned up the intensity on both sides of the ball to put pressure on Delaware. CJ Harris started what turned out to be a string of seven straight goals by the Seawolves over the span of seven-plus minutes down the stretch. Chris Esposito, Pallonetti, Dougherty, Ben Morschauser, Noah Armitage and Christian Lowd all tallied goals during the run.

Stony Brook ultimately fell just short, being held scoreless over the final four-plus minutes of action and conceding a final goal to the Blue Hens.

“We were not mentally and physically ready to play. We lacked the discipline and urgency necessary to win,” head coach Anthony Gilardi said. “We did a great job of battling back to make it a three-goal game with 4:30 to go, then a selfish conduct penalty after that goal crushed us. We need to find a way to play with consistency and urgency for 60 minutes. We have proven we can play in spurts but need to do it for 60 minutes.”

Up next, the team travels to face Fairfield on Saturday, April 20. The Seawolves and Stags face-off at 1 p.m. with the contest streaming live on the Stags Sports Network.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. Photo from Tierney's office

Erick Garcia Allegedly Shot and Killed 19-Year-Old Carlos Guillen

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 12 that Erick Garcia, 20, of Central Islip, was indicted for Murder in the Second Degree and other related charges, for allegedly fatally shooting Carlos Guillen, 19, of Bay Shore, during an attempted robbery in October 2022.

“Our prosecutors and law enforcement partners are relentless in their pursuit of solving homicide cases in Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I would like to thank the detectives here for not giving up and making sure that no victim is overlooked.”

According to the investigation, on October 1, 2022, Garcia allegedly arranged to meet Guillen in a plan devised by Garcia to rob Guillen. When Guillen arrived at the meeting location, Garcia allegedly went into Guillen’s vehicle armed with a firearm and attempted to execute the robbery. Guillen then accelerated with Garcia still inside the vehicle, and Garcia allegedly then shot Guillen. Surveillance video captured Garcia exiting Guillen’s vehicle thereafter, while it was still in motion. Guillen attempted to call 911 but was unable to speak during the call and then crashed his vehicle. He was then transported to South Shore University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

On November 10, 2022, approximately one month after the shooting, Garcia was arrested in Central Islip on an unrelated case after police allegedly found him in possession of a 9 mm unserialized gun. Garcia was then indicted for Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony, and arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski. Justice Pilewski ordered Garcia to be placed on supervised release with GPS conditions during the pendency of that case, which is still pending. Garcia is due back in court for that case on May 3, 2024. The gun allegedly recovered from Garcia during the November 2022 arrest is not believed to be connected to the homicide.

Garcia was located by the Suffolk County Police Department on April 11, 2024, and placed under arrest for homicide. On April 12, 2024, Garcia was arraigned on the new indictment before Justice Pilewski, for the following charges:

 Two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, Class A felonies;
 One count of Attempted Robbery in the First Degree, a Class C violent felony; and
 One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony.

Justice Pilewski ordered Garcia to be remanded during the pendency of the case. Garcia is due back in court on May 31, 2024, and he is being represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq.

The homicide case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Sheetal Shetty of the Homicide Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Michael Repperger from the Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad. The gun possession case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Matthew Laube of the Major Crime Bureau.

Peter Pendzinski

Peter Pendzinski Admitted to Shooting and Setting Nathanael Rodriguez on Fire

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 12 that Peter Pendzinski, 24, of Shirley, pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree and other related charges, for fatally shooting 21-year-old Nathanael Rodriguez, of Bay Shore, in December 2020.

“This defendant brutally murdered Nathanael Rodriguez by shooting him in the head and neck and attempted to cover up his crimes by desecrating the victim’s body by setting it on fire,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Thanks to the quick thinking of the Suffolk County first responders on scene, the defendant’s plan to cover up his crime was quickly foiled. This defendant’s conduct in the commission of this murder warrants a lengthy prison time, which we will seek at the sentence.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s statements during his plea allocution, on December 26, 2020, at approximately 12:00 a.m., Pendzinski, who was driving a Mercedes Benz, picked up the victim, Rodriguez, from his home in Bay Shore. The victim got inside of Pendzinski’s vehicle and sat in the passenger’s seat. Shortly thereafter, Pendzinski pulled out a revolver and shot Rodriguez five times in the head and neck, killing him. Pendzinski then drove from Bay Shore to his home in Shirley with Rodriguez’s body still in the front passenger seat.

Once Pendzinski arrived at his residence, he moved Rodriguez’s body to the backyard where he placed leaves over him. Pendzinski proceeded to pour gasoline over the victim and set his body on fire. A 911 caller reported excess smoke coming from an open fire at Pendzinski’s residence. When Suffolk County police officers responded to the location, they observed Pendzinski shoveling leaves onto an open fire. When officers asked if anyone was inside of the home, Pendzinski lied and said yes. While officers were attempting to gain entry into the home, Pendzinski moved Rodriguez’s burning body to the other side of the backyard. When officers realized what Pendzinski was doing, he was swiftly stopped and placed under arrest.

During law enforcement’s investigation, detectives observed the passenger side window of the Mercedes Benz was damaged from the shooting. Law enforcement recovered a saw, a pair of pliers, and floor mats covered with blood in Pendzinski’s driveway, some of which contained Rodriguez’s DNA. Additionally, a Smith and Wesson handgun and a can of gasoline were recovered in a detached garage.

On April 12, 2024, Pendzinski pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro, to one count of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A violent felony, and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon, Class C felonies. Pendzinski is due back in court on May 17, 2024, and is expected to be sentenced to 18 years to life in prison. Pendzinski is represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Melissa Grier of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Jeffrey Bottari of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Unit.

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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 from a Middle Island store last month.

A man allegedly stole electronics valued at $286 from Walmart, located at 750 Middle Country Road, on March 6 at approximately 11:35 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.

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Suffolk County Crime Stoppers and Suffolk County Police Sixth Precinct Crime Section officers are seeking the public’s help to identify and locate three people who allegedly stole items from a Selden store earlier this month.

Two men and one woman allegedly stole merchandise from Target, located at 307 Independence Plaza on April 12.

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.

Island Federal Credit Union (Island Federal) will award $50,000 in college scholarships to graduating seniors in June 2024. Long Island high school seniors who plan to continue their education at a university, college, community college or recognized vocational school are invited to apply.

The Island Federal Scholarship Program provides scholarships to 11 local high school seniors with 3 recipients receiving $10,000 and 8 receiving $2,500, all selected by random drawing among qualified applicants. There are no essays or transcripts required to enter.

For complete requirements and applications, go to islandfcu.com/scholarship or visit any Island branch. Applications are due no later than Friday, April 19.

“Island Federal’s mission is to enable Long Islanders to achieve their dreams for themselves and their families; that includes helping them afford a college education. Since the launch of the Island Federal Scholarship Program in 1992, Island has given out $855,000 in scholarships to a total of 363 recipients,” said Craig Booth, Interim President/CEO, Island Federal, who continues, “I look forward to presenting the scholarships to the 2024 recipients this spring.”

About Island Federal Credit Union

Island Federal Credit Union, headquartered in Hauppauge, N.Y., is a not-for-profit, full-service financial institution, providing affordable banking products and services to Long Islanders. Founded in 1955, Island has grown to be among the top performing credit unions in New York State with $1.4 billion in assets, serving over 50,000 Members.

Stony Brook University Hospital

Becker’s Healthcare has named Stony Brook Medicine to its 2024 list of 150 Top Places to Work in Healthcare. The list highlights hospitals, health systems and healthcare companies that prioritize workplace excellence and the happiness, satisfaction, well-being and fulfillment of their employees.

“Being recognized by Becker’s Healthcare as one of the Top Places to Work in Healthcare is a testament to our dedicated team. It’s a reflection of our commitment to create a culture where every member of Stony Brook Medicine feels valued, supported and empowered to thrive,” said William A. Wertheim, MD, MBA, Interim Executive Vice President for Stony Brook Medicine. “This achievement reaffirms our ongoing efforts to create an environment where everyone feels a connection to the important work that they do and the organization.”

The organizations that make up Becker’s Top Places to Work in Healthcare offer robust benefits packages, professional and personal development opportunities, diverse work environments and the resources necessary for work-life balance. To learn more and view the list, visit this link.

This recognition is the latest distinction the Stony Brook Medicine healthcare system has received in 2024. For the second year in a row, Stony Brook University Hospital (SBUH)achieved the highest level of national recognition as one of America’s 50 Best Hospitals from Healthgrades. SBUH was also ranked number 19 on Money magazine’s prestigious “Best Hospitals of 2024” list. This recognition gave SBUH an “A” ranking for General Practice and underscores Stony Brook’s unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of care to every Long Island resident.

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

A man allegedly stole assorted home décor from Target, located at 265 Pond Path, at approximately 3:30 p.m. on April 13.

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.

The event will feature a car show. Photo from WMHO

The Ward Melville Heritage Organization’s Spring Appreciation Day returns to the Stony Brook Village Center, 111 Main Street, Stony Brook on April 20 with live music, a car show, a petting zoo, the fire department will be on site, and a scavenger hunt with prizes from 11 a.m to 4 p.m. Throughout Stony Brook Village there will be something for everyone:

The day includes

Stony Brook Grist Mill. Image from WMHO

History: The Stony Brook Grist Mill (c. 1751) will be open for tours ($10 for adults, $5 for children, cash only) from noon to 4 p.m. and shopping in the Country Store. The history of the Grist Mill tour showcases highlights from WMHO’s brandnew program. It interprets the mill as both a place of mechanical ingenuity as well as a site of historic social networking from the early colonial period through the mid-20th century. A live Gypsy Romani music performance will take place from 1:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m. in honor of the 19th century Miller, Alois Kopriva.

Technology: The Mustang and Shelby Club of Long Island car show will take place between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. and will be located in the parking lot behind the Post Office. They will display over 65 cars with classic Mustangs and the latest cars that Ford has to offer. Automobiles from 1964 – 2023 will be on display, including some special edition Mustangs like the classic Shelby GT500, GT350 and the iconic Boss 302.

Nature: Steppin’ Out Petting Zoo will be set up in the Inner Court with a variety of animals for children to pet from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m.

The event will feature live music by Brenda and Burke. Photo from WMHO

Music: Brenda and Burke will be performing original and cover songs in the genres of R&B, Roots, Blues and Contemporary Acoustic in the inner court by the waterfall from 1:30 p.m. till 3:30 p.m.

And Discovery: The Ward Melville Heritage Organization (WMHO)’s Youth Corps will be offering a scavenger hunt around Stony Brook Village from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. Each person who returns a completed scavenger hunt will be entered into a raffle to win Discovery Wetlands Cruise tickets.

Lastly, the Stony Brook Fire Department will be sharing how you can join as a volunteer, and they will have a vintage firetruck on display during the event.

Spring Appreciation Day is sponsored by News 12, Long Island Speech, First National Bank of Long Island, RJG Consulting Group, and NYLife Insurance Company Agent, Ryan D. DeCicco.

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The Ward Melville Heritage Organization is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation founded in 1939 by businessman and philanthropist Ward Melville. Inspired by his legacy to preserve historic and environmentally sensitive properties, the WMHO continues to protect and interpret these Long Island treasures. The organization creates interdisciplinary educational and cultural experiences that integrate history, art, theater, music, science, and technology for all ages. The organization owns and manages properties deeded to it by Ward Melville, including the Brewster House (c. 1665), the Thompson House (c. 1705), the Stony Brook Grist Mill (c. 1751), which are listed on the state and national register for historic places, the Dr. Erwin Ernst Marine Conservation Center, the pristine 88-acre wetlands preserve at West Meadow, the 11-acre T. Bayles Minuse Mill Pond and adjacent park, two-acre Upper Pond, and the two-acre Jennie Melville Village Green. To learn more about the WMHO, visit www.wmho.org or call (631)-751-2244.