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Murder

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

Gustavo Hernandez and His Nephews, Walter Ramirez Jeronimo and Wilson Ramirez Jeronimo, Allegedly Kidnapped the Victim in Broad Daylight Before Killing Him

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Aug. 2 that Gustavo Hernandez, 38, Walter Ramirez Jeronimo, 19, and Wilson Ramirez Jeronimo, 18, each from Farmingdale, were indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, Kidnapping in the First Degree, and Attempted Kidnapping in the Second Degree, for their alleged participation in the abduction and murder of Juan Carlos Diaz Jeronimo, 48, of Amityville.

“The allegations in this indictment are deeply disturbing. The brazen nature of this alleged crime, occurring in a public place during daylight hours, shocks the conscience and undermines our sense of community,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This indictment is our first step in pursuing justice for Juan Carlos Diaz Jeronimo and his family.”

According to the investigation, on the evening of June 21, 2024, the victim was walking on Broadhollow Road in Farmingdale when he was allegedly spotted by the defendants, who were in a Blue Isuzu Rodeo.

There is no known familial relationship between the victim, Juan Carlos Diaz Jeronimo, and the defendants.

page1image29118944Video surveillance shows the defendants allegedly exiting the vehicle, attacking the victim, and attempting to drag him toward the Isuzu. Their efforts were thwarted by a passing motorist, allowing the victim to escape to a gas station across the street.

Defendants allegedly in blue Isuzu near the victim walking.

Defendants allegedly attacking the victim and attempting to drag him to the Isuzu.

The defendants allegedly followed the victim to the gas station. Video surveillance showed the Jeronimo brothers covering their faces and then, along with their uncle, allegedly beating the victim, knocking him to the ground, choking him, and violently forcing him into the trunk of the Isuzu.

page2image29252304 page2image29249184page2image29253760 page2image29253968page2image29254176Defendants allegedly in blue Isuzu near the victim walking.

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Defendants allegedly attacking the victim and attempting to drag him to the Isuzu.
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The alleged abduction was caught on video surveillance and occurred at a gas station in broad daylight.

After allegedly forcing the victim into the trunk of the SUV, the defendants drove to Belmont Lake State Park, and then back to Farmingdale where surveillance video captured them allegedly dumping the victim’s body on a residential street.

The Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s office noted that the victim suffered numerous injuries including but not limited to asphyxia due to neck compression, severe blunt force trauma of the abdomen, and what appeared to be a stab wound to his upper chest.

page3image29127472 page3image29121856page3image29127264 page3image29128304page3image29128096 page3image29128512page3image29128720 page3image29128928All three defendants allegedly heading towards the victim, with Hernandez in the blue Isuzu.

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Defendants allegedly beating and choking the victim.page3image29129552

All three defendants were indicted for the following charges:

  •   Two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, Class A-I felonies;
  •   One count of Kidnapping in the First Degree, a Class A-I felony; and
  •   One count of Attempted Kidnapping in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony.On August 1, 2024, the defendants were each arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis. Justice Wilutis ordered all three defendants be remanded without bail during the pendency of the case.

    The defendants are due back in court on September 10, 2024. Hernandez is being represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq. Walter Ramirez Jeronimo is being represented by Jonathan Manley, Esq. Wilson Ramirez Jeronimo is being represented by Katherine Fernandez, Esq.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Sheetal Shetty and Eric Aboulafia of the Homicide Bureau, with the assistance of Aracelis Buchanan, the SCDA’s Victim Services Coordinator. The investigation was conducted by Detective Michael Repperger of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

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Anthony Santiesteban

Anthony Santiesteban was Convicted in June of the Fatal Shooting of Martina Thompson

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Aug. 1 that Anthony Santiesteban, 32, of Centereach, was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison, after a jury found him guilty in June of Murder in the Second Degree and other related charges, for fatally shooting Martina Thompson, 33, of East Patchogue, in October 2022.

“This defendant deliberately took the life of Martina Thompson, whose children will now have to live without their mother,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Murder does not just end one life, it devastates families, friends, and entire communities. While no punishment can ever truly compensate for the loss of a loved one, this sentence ensures the defendant will face severe consequences for this grievous act and will no longer pose a danger to the public.”

The evidence at trial established that in the early morning hours of October 29, 2022, surveillance video captured Santiesteban and the victim engaging in a conversation next to Santiesteban’s Jeep Cherokee in a parking lot in Coram. Santiesteban was then seen on video following the victim into a fenced area at the rear of the parking lot. Immediately afterwards, at approximately 1:03 a.m., a gunshot is heard on the video recording, and Santiesteban was captured walking out of the fenced area with a semi-automatic handgun in his hand. Santiesteban then entered his Jeep and left the scene.

At 1:25 a.m., the police found the victim with a gunshot wound to her face, lying in a pool of blood. She was transported to Long Island Community Hospital in Patchogue where she was pronounced dead.

On November 2, 2022, police searched Santiesteban’s bedroom pursuant to a search warrant and recovered a loaded and defaced 9 mm handgun. Ballistics testing confirmed the bullet casing found next to the victim’s body came from the gun found in the bedroom.

On June 24, 2024, Santiesteban was convicted of the following charges after a jury trial heard before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft Jr.:

  •   One count of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent

    felonies; and

  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D violent

    felony.

    On August 1, 2024, Justice Senft sentenced Santiesteban to 40 years to life in prison. He was represented by Jonathan Manley, Esq. and Peter Mayer, Esq.

    The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Joseph Mallek of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detectives Luis Cabrera and Thomas Henry of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

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Police car stock photo

Suffolk County Police arrested two men on July 31 for the shooting death of Michael Hartmann, who was killed outside of his home, located at 605 Smithtown Ave. in Bohemia, on November 2, 2022.

Following an investigation by Homicide Squad detectives, Christopher Fernandez and Oliver Schor were both charged with alleged Murder 2nd Degree.

Fernandez, 28, of Sound Beach, was arrested in Lexington, South Carolina with the assistance of the Lexington County Police Department. He is being held at the Sixth Precinct and will be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on July 31.

Schor, 22, of Miller Place, was also arrested in Lexington South Carolina with the assistance of the Lexington County Police Department. He was arrested as a fugitive from justice and will be arraigned in New York on a later date.

Below is the original release:

Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives are investigating the death of a man who was shot to death in his backyard on Nov. 2, 2022.

Michael Hartmann was in the backyard of his home, located at 605 Smithtown Ave., when two people entered his yard and fired multiple shots, striking him once, at approximately 6:35 a.m. Hartmann, 49, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Detectives are asking anyone with information on this incident to call the Homicide Squad at 631-852- 6392 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. All calls will be kept confidential.

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Jose Martinez-Vazquez and Tiffany Diaz-Cabrera

Jose Martinez-Vazquez Fatally Stabbed Benjamin Flores-Mendez While Tiffany Diaz-Cabrera, Served as a Lookout

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on July 25 that Jose Martinez-Vazquez, 25, and Tiffany Diaz-Cabrera, 21, both of Port Jefferson Station, pleaded guilty to their respective roles in the fatal stabbing of Benjamin Flores-Mendez, 39, also from Port Jefferson Station. Martinez-Vazquez pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree, for fatally stabbing Flores-Mendez. Diaz-Cabrera pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, for acting as a look out while the stabbing took place.

“These defendants conspired to brutally take the life of Benjamin Flores-Mendez, and then did so in a place where Suffolk County residents should feel safe to walk, hike, or bike,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Violence is never the answer, and we will not rest until anyone committing such wanton acts are brought to justice.”

According to court documents and the defendants’ admissions during their guilty plea allocutions,

on June 17, 2021, Martinez-Vasquez followed the victim into the Port Jefferson Station entrance of the Setauket-Port Jefferson Station Greenway Trail. Martinez-Vazquez admitted to fatally stabbing the victim multiple times while Diaz-Cabrera, Martinez-Vazquez’s girlfriend, served as his lookout. The victim was later discovered lying in the entrance of the trail by Good Samaritans.

On March 5, 2023, Suffolk County homicide detectives arrested both defendants.

On April 22, 2024, Diaz-Cabrera pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis. Diaz-Cabrera is due back in court for sentencing on August 29, 2024. She is being represented by Luigi Belcastro, Esq.

On July 25, 2024, Martinez-Vazquez pleaded guilty to Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A violent felony, before Justice Wilutis. Martinez-Vazquez is due back in court for sentencing on August 28, 2024. He is being represented by John Halverson, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Tara Laterza of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective James Hughes of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

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Anthony Santiesteban

Anthony Santiesteban Faces Up to 25 Years to Life in Prison at Sentencing

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Anthony Santiesteban, 32, of Centereach, was found guilty after a jury trial of Murder in the Second Degree and other related charges for fatally shooting Martina Thompson, 33, of East Patchogue in October 2022.

“This defendant deliberately and selfishly extinguished the life of Martina Thompson, a young mother,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I thank the jury for their time and careful attention to this case, and I thank the investigators and prosecutors for their dedication to getting justice for Martina and her family.”

The evidence at trial established that in the early morning hours of October 29, 2022, surveillance video captured Santiesteban and the victim engaging in a conversation next to Santiesteban’s Jeep Cherokee in a parking lot in Coram. Santiesteban was then seen on video following the victim into a fenced area at the rear of the parking lot. Immediately afterwards, at approximately 1:03 a.m., a gunshot is heard on the video recording, and Santiesteban was captured walking out of the fenced area with a semi-automatic handgun in his hand. Santiesteban then entered his Jeep and left the scene.

At 1:25 a.m., the police found the victim with a gunshot wound to her face, lying in a pool of blood. She was transported to Long Island Community Hospital in Patchogue where she was pronounced dead.

On November 2, 2022, police searched Santiesteban’s bedroom pursuant to a search warrant and recovered a loaded and defaced 9 mm handgun. Ballistics testing confirmed the bullet casing found next to the victim’s body came from the gun found in the bedroom.

On June 24, 2024, Santiesteban was convicted of the following charges after a jury trial heard before County Court Judge Anthony Senft:

  •   One count of Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony;
  •   Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent

    felonies; and

  •   One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D violent

    felony.

    Santiesteban is due back in court for sentencing on August 1, 2024, and he faces up to 25 years to life in prison. He is being represented by Jonathan Manley, Esq. and Peter Mayer, Esq.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Joseph Mallek of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detectives Luis Cabrera and Thomas Henry of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

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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.

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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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Police car

Suffolk County Police arrested a man on Feb. 9  for a fatal shooting in Bay Shore that occurred in
2022. Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives arrested an 18-year-old man, who was 16 at the
time, for allegedly killing Linver Ortiz-Ponce, 29, of Ronkonkoma in a parking lot, located at 6 Holbrook St., on September 17, 2022. He was charged with Murder 2nd Degree and Kidnapping 1st Degree.

Below is the original release:
Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives are investigating a shooting that killed a man in Bay
Shore on Sept. 17.  Third Precinct police officers responded to a call of shots fired at 6 Holbrook Street at 12:57 a.m. Upon arrival, Linver Ortiz-Ponce was found shot in the parking lot. Ortiz-Ponce, 29, of Ronkonkoma, was pronounced dead at the scene. Detectives are asking anyone with information on the shooting to contact the Homicide Squad at 631- 852-6392 or call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

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Tenia Campbell

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Jan. 29 that Tenia Campbell, 28, of Medford, was sentenced to 20 years to life in prison after pleading guilty in December 2023 to two counts of Murder in the First Degree, after suffocating her twin two-year-old daughters to death in June 2019.

“These two young lives were cut short by the one person who was supposed to love and protect them,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Although the 20-year sentence here resolves this sad case, it will not bring back these girls.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admission during her plea allocution, on June 27, 2019, at approximately 2:37 p.m., Campbell’s mother called 911 to report that Campbell was driving around in the family van and was threatening to kill her daughters, Jaida and Jasmine. Law enforcement launched a large-scale search for Campbell and her daughters between the areas of Medford and Montauk. At approximately 4:00 p.m., an East Hampton Police Officer spotted the van just off Montauk Highway, a few miles west of Montauk Point.

When the officer approached, she saw Campbell outside of the van. The officer walked over to the van and saw Campbell’s two-year old twin daughters dead in their car seats. Campbell later admitted to smothering the girls to death.

On December 13, 2023, Campbell pleaded guilty before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard Ambro, to two counts of Murder in the First Degree, a Class A violent felony.

On January 29, 2024, Justice Ambro sentenced Campbell to 20 years to life in prison. She was represented by John Halverson, Esq.

This case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Frank Schroeder of the Homicide Bureau, with investigative assistance from Detective Ron Tavares of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

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Wayne Chambers

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Dec.7 that Wayne Chambers, 51, was found guilty of Murder in the Second Degree after a jury trial for the fatal stabbing of his former girlfriend, Sandra McIntosh, in 2021.

“The domestic violence murder of Sandra McIntosh was a tragedy that should not have happened,” said District Attorney Tierney. “If you or anyone you know is a victim of domestic violence, I urge you to contact the Police Department or the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office to help us prevent tragedies like this one.” The evidence at trial established that on July 22, 2021, at approximately 7:43 p.m.

Chambers picked up McIntosh after her nurse’s shift at Stony Brook University Hospital was over. He had dropped her off earlier and had been driving McIntosh’s 2010 white Lexus RX350. Chambers had previously been in a relationship with McIntosh for approximately six years but had broken up months before the fatal stabbing. Chambers violently stabbed McIntosh, 46, of Medford, at least 25 times including in her neck and back, puncturing her heart and lung.

At about 8:03 p.m. a “911” caller reported seeing Chambers in the same vehicle driving erratically and then stopping the vehicle on Woodland Avenue in Holtsville. Witnesses saw Chambers outside the Lexus in a physical altercation with McIntosh. In addition, they heard McIntosh screaming and when they came out saw Chambers physically assaulting McIntosh and attempting to drag her out of the woods by her hair. Once Chambers saw the witnesses, he fled and jumped into McIntosh’s Lexus and sped away. McIntosh died within two hours of the fatal attack.

After the fatal incident, the Suffolk County Police Department was able to track Chambers to a location in the Bronx. It was there that McIntosh’s 2010 white Lexus RX350 was found as a result. Red staining that appeared to be blood was observed on both the exterior and interior of the vehicle. The evidence at trial established that that the red staining not only tested presumptively positive for blood, but many of those stains contained mixtures of DNA between the decedent and this defendant.

Surveillance video evidence was recovered across the street from McIntosh’s vehicle was found in the Bronx. This surveillance video captured the white SUV pulling up at approximately 10:39 p.m. on July 22, 2021. A man can be seen getting out of the driver’s side of the vehicle and walking away with what appeared to be a cellular phone in his hand.

Members of the Suffolk County Police Department testified that they spoke with a female acquaintance of the defendant, whose residence was located approximately one block away from where McIntosh’s vehicle was discovered. In sum and substance, she stated that Chambers went to her home in the Bronx on the evening of July 22, 2021. Upon arriving at her home, she observed that Chambers had a cut on one of his index fingers that was covered by a Band-Aid. She also observed a bloody spot on his green shirt. Additionally, cell site data placed Chamber’s cell phone near the murder scene, immediately after the murder.

Chamber’s cell phone also connected to a cell site within a mile of where McIntosh’s vehicle was discovered in the Bronx, coinciding with the surveillance video that captured the SUV being parked in the Bronx.

On July 30, 2021, members of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad, Newburg City Police Department, the U.S. Marshals Service Fugitive Task Force, and New York State Police located Chambers at a hotel in Newburgh and placed him under arrest.

On December 7, 2023, Chambers was convicted after a jury trial, heard before Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard Ambro of Murder in the Second Degree. Chambers is due back in court on January 9, 2023, for sentencing and faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

He is being represented by Ian Fitzgerald, Esq. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Eric S. Aboulafia of the Homicide Bureau and Michelle Chiuchiolo of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, with investigative assistance from Detectives Guido Cirenza and Brendan O’Hara of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

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