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Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney

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

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 17 that a 15-year-old defendant was indicted for Murder in the Second Degree and Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, for his killing his grandmother by stabbing her over 35 times and also stabbing his mother causing her serious physical injuries.

According to the investigation, on April 7, 2025, at approximately 9:40 p.m., the defendant was arguing with his mother when she confronted him about missing classes at school. The defendant’s grandmother told her daughter, the defendant’s mother, to take the 15-year-old’s computer away as a punishment. At that point, the 15-year-old grabbed a knife and stabbed his grandmother and then turned the knife on his mother. After being stabbed, the mother fell to the ground and played dead. At that point, the 15-year-old turned back to his grandmother and continued to stab her. The defendant’s grandmother died at the scene, and the defendant’s mother was taken to a hospital, where she is still recovering from her injuries.

On April 16, 2025, the defendant was arraigned on the indictment before Judge Karen Kerr, for Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony, Attempted Murder in the Second Degree, a Class B violent felony, and Assault in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony.

Judge Karen Kerr ordered the defendant be remanded during the pendency of the case. The defendant is due back in court on May 21, 2025, and faces 15 years to life in prison if convicted of the top count. He is being represented by Peter Mayer, Esq.

“This is an exceptionally tragic case that has devastated a family,” said District Attorney Tierney. “When a child allegedly turns violent against their own family members, it creates layers of trauma that extend far beyond physical injuries. Our office will pursue justice for the victims of these horrific acts.”

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Dena Rizopoulos of the Homicide Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Michael Ronca of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad.

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Peter A. Saad, Jr.

Suffolk District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 17 that Peter A. Saad, Jr., 48, of Calverton, pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, for stealing $25,000 from an escrow account that was intended for two parties to a real estate transaction.

“When an attorney violates the sacred trust placed in them by their clients, they undermine the very foundation of our legal system,” said District Attorney Tierney. “The disbarment and guilty plea here demonstrate that no one is above the law, especially those who are entrusted to uphold it.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, in 2020, Saad was hired to represent a client in the sale of his home. At that time, Saad was the principal attorney at the Law Offices of Peter A. Saad, Jr., P.C., based in Riverhead. During the real estate transaction, it was discovered that the home had permit issues that needed to be resolved, and which required money be left in escrow after the closing held on September 3, 2020. All parties to the sale agreed to keep $25,000 in Saad’s escrow account until the outstanding permit issues were resolved.1

After the closing, Saad stopped responding to the parties, failed to return the $25,000 in escrow funds, and instead spent the money on his own personal expenses. Subsequently, it was determined that $5,000 was due to the purchasers of the home and the remaining $20,000 was due to the seller of the home, who was Saad’s client.

Saad was disbarred from practicing law in New York, effective January 31, 2024.

On April 16, 2025, Saad pleaded guilty to Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree, a Class E felony, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski. He was placed on probation and ordered to pay restitution and to complete 210 hours of community service. Saad is being represented by Christopher Gioe, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Patrick Rooney of the Public Corruption Bureau.

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James Carr

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that James Carr, 36, of Lake Grove, was sentenced to 5 1⁄2 years in prison, followed by 1 year of post release supervision, after a jury found him guilty in February of assault and drug possession charges in connection with the January 2024 near-fatal overdose of his infant child.

“It is nothing short of miraculous that first responders were able to revive this infant with Narcan,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I continue to urge our legislators to pass the Death by Dealer statute, which would give us the tools needed to seek justice proportionate to the harm caused with enhanced penalties. No child should have to fight for her life because of exposure to these deadly substances, and no community should have to bury victims of this poison without proper justice being served.”

James Carr Prosecution

The evidence at trial established that on January 13, 2024, members of the Suffolk County Police Department and the Ronkonkoma Fire Department responded to a 911 call reporting a non- responsive infant on Colmar Avenue in Lake Grove.

When they arrived, “John Doe,” an 11-month-old infant, had turned blue, his eyes were rolled toward the back of his head, and he was having extreme difficulty breathing.

Due to his serious condition, the ambulance that was transporting the boy to the hospital had to pull over during the transit so a MedCat Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) could board the ambulance to provide additional lifesaving care to the infant. The child had stopped breathing for an extended period of time on the way to Stony Brook University Hospital and had been unresponsive for approximately 40 minutes. The medics inside the ambulance determined that the symptoms the child was exhibiting were from opiate poisoning. They quickly acted and provided the baby with a quantity of Narcan in each nostril. Five minutes after the administration of Narcan, he took a full breath on his own and began to cry.

Once at the hospital, the 11-month-old child was diagnosed with acute fentanyl poisoning, hypoxia, and respiratory failure and required additional doses of Narcan in the Pediatric Emergency Room. After his admission to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, the infant was placed on a Narcan drip in order to prevent recurrent respiratory failure due to the opioid poisoning. Carr was arrested on the same day.

A search of the Lake Grove residence was conducted by the Suffolk County Police Department, and investigators recovered a straw containing cocaine, 4-ANPP (a precursor to fentanyl), heroin, and fentanyl residue, a digital scale containing cocaine, heroin, and fentanyl residue, and a plastic bag containing cocaine residue.

On February 27, 2025, Carr was convicted after a jury trial heard before Acting Supreme Court Justice Philip Golgas, for Assault in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony, and Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, a Class A misdemeanor.

On April 7, 2025, Carr was sentenced to 5 1⁄2 in prison. He was represented by John Campo Esq.

Robert Mauro Prosecution

A review of phone data recovered from Carr’s phone revealed that on January 4, 2024, and January 5, 2024, he was in contact with the separately-convicted defendant Robert Mauro, 40, of Miller Place, where Mauro offered to sell narcotics to Carr. Mauro advertised the drugs to Carr as an “oz of fire that some kid od’d off of.” Over the next few days, Carr actively sought out the drugs from Mauro. On January 9, 2024, Mauro sold the drug to Carr, just four days before the infant ingested a near-fatal dose of fentanyl.

On January 29, 2024, while Suffolk County Police Department Fourth Squad detectives were conducting their investigation into Carr and Mauro, Homicide Squad detectives responded to a fatal overdose that occurred at a home in Patchogue. At that location, law enforcement recovered from the scene the 31-year-old overdose victim’s1 cell phone, and a quantity of fentanyl/4-ANPP.

A review of that victim’s phone data showed that she too had purchased narcotics from Mauro. This sale occurred on January 28, 2024. A further review of the data showed that on January 26, 2024, the victim texted Mauro that she had not used heroin in over a year and was concerned about the substance she was going to buy.

An autopsy conducted by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that the female victim’s cause of death was acute intoxication due to the combined effects of fentanyl, fluro fentanyl, acetyl fentanyl, methoxyacytal fentanyl, xylazine, and buprenorphine. Mauro pleaded to Manslaughter in the Second Degree in October 2024. He was sentenced to 5 to 15 years in prison, which is the maximum sentence allowable under the law, and which will be followed by a period of two years post-release supervision once he is released.

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

Christopher Miller Faces 25 Years to Life in Prison for the Fatal Shooting of His 75-Year-Old Father

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on April 1 that Christopher Miller, 43, of Dix Hills, was indicted for Murder in the Second Degree, for allegedly shooting and killing his 75-year-old father John Miller.

“The indictment handed down today marks a crucial step toward justice in this tragic case,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I would like to thank Officer Galeazzi who did a great job here apprehending this defendant before anyone else could be harmed.”

According to the investigation, on the afternoon of March 17, 2025, Christopher Miller was involved in a motor vehicle crash which resulted in his being admitted at Stony Brook University Hospital. The next day, unaware that he had been in a crash and in the hospital, John Miller called the police to report his son missing. Christopher Miller lived with his father. Suffolk County First Precinct Officer Matthew Galeazzi responded to John Miller’s home on Bruno Lane in Dix Hills. After conducting a brief computer search, Officer Galeazzi informed John Miller that his son was at Stony Brook University Hospital. Relieved, John Miller profusely thanked the officer for his help.

On March 19, 2025, Officer Galeazzi responded to a call from a Dix Hills resident that reported a suspicious individual hiding in that person’s shed. Officer Galeazzi responded to that residence, opened the shed, and allegedly identified the suspicious individual to be Christopher Miller.

Officer Galeazzi informed Christopher Miller that he spoke to John Miller the day before at their Bruno Lane home, and that his father was worried about him. Officer Galeazzi offered to drive Christopher Miller home, which the defendant initially rejected. However, after insisting, Christopher Miller allegedly agreed to be driven back to his home, a half mile away.

When they arrived at the residence, footage from Officer Galeazzi’s body cam captured not only his entry into the home, but also his immediate viewing of the victim lying on the kitchen floor in a large pool of blood, and a shotgun lying nearby. Allegedly, Christopher Miller immediately attempted to flee up the stairs, however, Officer Galeazzi subdued him and placed him under arrest. In addition, witness interviews alleged Christopher Miller attempted to steal a landscaping truck but was unsuccessful.

Police recovered a shotgun along with four expended shot shells at the scene. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner determined that John Miller suffered multiple perforating and penetrating shotgun wounds.

On April 1, 2025, Christopher Miller was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski for Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony.

Justice Pilewski ordered Christopher Miller remanded, during the pendency of the case. Christopher Miller is due back in court on June, 12, 2025, and faces 25 years to life in prison, if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Glenn Obedin, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Eric S. Aboulafia of the Homicide Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Guido Cirenza of the Suffolk County Homicide Squad.

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Steven Musgrove

Steven Musgrove, a Prior Convicted Felon, Faces Up to 25 Years to Life in Prison

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on March 26 that Steven Musgrove, 29, of Selden, was found guilty of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, after a jury trial for possessing a loaded and defaced firearm.

“A two-time felon with a loaded and defaced firearm in a bar after midnight is a clear and present danger to the public,” said District Attorney Tierney. “I thank the bartender for quick thinking, as well as the members of the Suffolk County Police Department who recovered the gun and conducted a thorough investigation that led to the defendant’s arrest.”

The evidence at trial established that on March 22, 2024, Musgrove entered Shakers Pub in Oakdale just before it closed for the night and began having a conversation with the bartender. When a Suffolk County Police Department Sergeant entered Shakers Pub to conduct a routine check of the bar’s liquor license, Musgrove went to the other end of the bar and placed a loaded handgun in the trash before exiting the building. After Musgrove left, the bartender looked into the garbage can, saw the firearm, and alerted the Sergeant.

Law enforcement recovered a loaded and defaced black handgun with an extended magazine from inside the trash can.

Video surveillance from the bar showed Musgrove placing the handgun in the trash can. DNA testing also revealed the presence of Musgrove’s DNA on the firearm, the magazine, and an ammunition cartridge.

On March 26, 2025, Musgrove was found guilty of one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony, one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D violent felony, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a Class E felony, after a jury trial heard before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz.

Prior to his conviction in this case, Musgrove was previously convicted of Attempted Robbery in the Second Degree, a Class D violent felony, in 2014, and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C violent felony, in 2017.

Musgrove was remanded following the verdict and is due back in court for sentencing on April 29, 2025, and faces up to 25 years to life in prison. He is being represented by Pierre Bazile, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Kieran R. Rogers and Patrick J. Mullen of the Major Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective David Leath of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Fifth Squad. Significant assistance in the investigation was provided by Jeannie Miller and James Valenti of the Suffolk County Crime Lab and Research Analyst Brooke Baade of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.

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Wilkens Adonis

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on March 18 that Wilkens Adonis, age 39, of Holbrook, pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the Second Degree for his role in the fatal overdose of his 14-month-old son Joseph Adonis.

“The death of Joseph Adonis represents one of the most heartbreaking cases our office has ever handled,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Because of this defendant’s extreme recklessness here, we were able to charge him with manslaughter. In most cases like these, we cannot charge manslaughter or murder and that’s why we need the New York Legislature to pass Chelsey’s Law.”

Joseph Adonis

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on January 3, 2024, Suffolk County Police responded to a 911 call reporting an unresponsive child at a residence in Holbrook. When they arrived, law enforcement found Adonis and his girlfriend’s 14-month-old son unresponsive in the couple’s bedroom. The toddler was taken via ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital where he was pronounced dead.

When Suffolk County Homicide Squad detectives responded to the home to investigate, they found narcotics and drug paraphernalia in the bedroom where the child had been found. As a result, members of the Suffolk County Narcotics Section were called to assist with the investigation.

A search warrant of the apartment was executed, and law enforcement found over one-eighth ounce of a mixture of heroin and fentanyl, over one-eighth ounce of cocaine, alprazolam, methadone, drug packaging materials, digital scales, an electronic stun gun, a loaded shotgun, and a rifle; all of which were unsecured and easily accessible to the defendants’ children.

After conducting an autopsy, the Suffolk County Medical Examiner’s Office concluded that the child’s cause of death was acute mixed drug intoxication by a mixture of heroin, cocaine, and fentanyl.

On March 17, 2024, Adonis pleaded guilty to Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a Class C felony, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Philip Goglas. Adonis faces the maximum sentence of 5 to 15 years in prison. Adonis is due back in court on April 17, 2025, and he is being represented by Matthew Tuohy, Esq

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Robert Archer of the Narcotics Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detectives James Melchiona and Christopher Gleason of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Narcotics Section, Detectives Guido Cirenza and Michael Repperger of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad, and Investigator Scott Reilly and Senior Investigator David Ferreby of the New York State Police.

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Russell Defreitas

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on March 14 that Russell Defreitas, 55, of Holbrook, also known as “Merc,” was found guilty after a jury trial of Operating as a Major Drug Trafficker, and 91 other charges, for his role in a large- scale cocaine and fentanyl trafficking operation in Suffolk County which caused two fentanyl overdose deaths.

“This defendant distributed deadly fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine with complete disregard for human life, directly causing the tragic deaths of two victims,” said District Attorney Tierney. “While no verdict can bring back those whom we’ve lost, we hope this conviction provides some measure of closure to the family and friends who lost loved ones. Cases like this are exactly why the New York Legislature must pass Chelsey’s Law.”

In September 2022, law enforcement responded to a fatal overdose in Holbrook. Members of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office East End Drug Task Force endeavored in an eight- month long investigation into the circumstances surrounding the overdose and during that time learned that Defreitas was a member of a large-scale organization in Suffolk County that was conspiring to sell large amounts of crack cocaine and potent fentanyl, and using loaded firearms to protect their drug contraband.

On March 9, 2023, a male and female were in a hotel room rented by Defreitas. When the female overdosed in the hotel room, Defreitas directed his associates not to call 911. Defreitas removed drugs and other evidence from the hotel room and then went to eat at a nearby Wendy’s. Hours later, Defreitas allowed one of his associates to call 911. At that point, both the female and male had fatally overdosed in the hotel room.

Defreitas was arrested on March 11, 2023, while staying in another hotel. That same day, members of law enforcement executed search warrants at Defreitas’ hotel room, his trailer in Holbrook, and his vehicle that was used for drug trafficking. During those searches, law enforcement recovered cocaine, fentanyl, two loaded firearms, cutting agents, drug packaging materials, scales used to weigh narcotics, and numerous hotel room key cards. Additionally, at the time of his arrest, Defreitas had bank cards in the names of two of the overdose victims in his possession.

On May 18, 2023, Defreitas testified at a court proceeding on his own behalf. The evidence at trial showed that during that proceeding, he repeatedly lied under oath about his drug dealing activity.

On March 11, 2025, exactly two years after Defreitas was arrested, he was convicted of the following 92 counts, after a jury trial heard before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony Senft:

  • One count of Operating as a Major Drug Trafficker, a Class A-I felony;
  • Eight counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, Class A-I

    felonies;

  • 10 counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, Class A-II

    felonies;

  • One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a Class

    A-II felony;

  • One count of Conspiracy in the Second Degree, a Class B felony;
  • Six counts of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class B

    felonies;

  •  45 counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class B felonies;
  • Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, Class C violent felonies;
  • Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, Class D violent felonies;
  • One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a Class D felony;
  • Three counts of Perjury in the First Degree, a Class D felony;
  • One count of Tampering with Physical Evidence, a Class E felony;
  • Five counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, Class A misdemeanors; and
  • Six counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, Class A misdemeanors.

    Defreitas is due back in court for sentencing on April 14, 2025, and faces up to life in prison. He represented himself throughout the trial.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Jacob T. Kubetz and Raquel G. Tisi of the Narcotics Bureau, with assistance from Paralegal Lisa Zimmerman, Research Analyst Brooke Baade, and Investigative Auditor Carlos Gutama, of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. The investigation was conducted by Detective Investigator William Warren of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office’s East End Task Force.

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

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on March 11 that Jeffrey Sloan, 62, and Rashad Sloan, 33, both of Central Islip, were indicted for Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance, and other related charges, for selling narcotics after an investigation into the fatal overdose of a 25-year-old Brentwood resident.

“I have said it time and time again: we will not tolerate the sale of these poisons in Suffolk County,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will prosecute those responsible for selling deadly drugs and causing fatal overdoses to the fullest extent possible. Furthermore, I will continue to push for the passing of the ‘Death by Dealer’ statute to ensure that all dealers are charged with homicide for the fatal overdoses that they cause.”

According to the investigation, on February 6, 2025, members of the Suffolk County Police Department responded to a residence in Brentwood in response to a fatal drug overdose. While at the location, law enforcement recovered nine glassine envelopes containing residue from a mixture of heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, and ketamine. Additionally, a pill containing Xanax and the victim’s cellular telephone were also recovered from the scene.

A review of the victim’s cellular telephone revealed communication between him and an individual now known to investigators as Jeffrey Sloan. Text messages revealed that the victim ordered narcotics from Jeffrey Sloan, namely 13 bags of heroin and one Xanax pill, in exchange for the negotiated price of $140. The two men arranged to meet at the 7-Eleven convenience store located at Crooked Hill Road in Brentwood on February 4, 2025.

Members of law enforcement then responded to the 7-Eleven to investigate and were able to obtain surveillance footage. The video depicted the victim utilizing the ATM machine to withdraw cash. Jeffrey Sloan is observed in the surveillance video arriving at the 7-Eleven location and allegedly engages in what appears to be a hand-to-hand narcotics transaction with the victim.

An autopsy performed by the Suffolk County Medical Examiner found fentanyl, cocaine, ketamine, morphine, and fentanyl analogues in the victim’s body and determined the death to be caused by a mixed drug intoxication.

On February 19, 2025, members of the Suffolk County Police Department searched Sloan’s residence, his camper, and three vehicles pursuant to a court-authorized search warrant. They allegedly found over 16 ounces of a mixture of fentanyl and heroin, over half an ounce of cocaine, over 100 assorted pills, including Xanax and oxycodone, numerous cellular telephones, a ledger detailing narcotics transactions, and drug paraphernalia, including digital scales, glassine envelopes, cutting agents, gloves and masks.

Also present at the residence was Rashad Sloan. When they searched Rashad Sloan’s bedroom, police recovered a pistol, a high-capacity magazine, a quantity of cocaine, a digital scale, drug packaging material, and cash.

On March 10, 2025, Jeffrey Sloan was arraigned on the indictment before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz, for the following charges contained in the indictment:

• One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the First Degree, a Class A-1 felony;

• One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Second Degree, a Class A-2 felony;

• One count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, a Class B felony;

• Thirteen counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class B felonies;

• One count of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fourth Degree, a Class C felony;

• One count of Criminal Sale of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, a Class D felony; • Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Fifth Degree, Class D felonies;

• Six counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Seventh Degree, Class A misdemeanors; and
• Five counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, Class A misdemeanors.

Justice Horowitz ordered Jeffrey Sloan remanded during the pendency of the case. He is due back in court on March 27, 2025, and faces 24 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Adeline Arvelo, Esq.

On March 10, 2025, Rashad Sloan was arraigned on the indictment before Justice Horowitz for the following charges contained in the indictment:

  • Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance in the Third Degree, Class B felonies;
  • One count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Third Degree, a Class D felony;
  • One count of Criminal Possession of a Firearm, a Class E felony; and
  • Two counts of Criminally Using Drug Paraphernalia in the Second Degree, Class A

    misdemeanors.

    Justice Horowitz ordered Rashad Sloan held on $100,000 cash, $200,000 bond, or $500,000 partially secured bond. He is due back in court on April 3, 2025, and faces 9 years in prison if convicted on the top count. He is being represented by Raymond Perini, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Dana Gremaux of the Narcotics Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by members of the Suffolk County Narcotics Section.

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

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on March 11 that Cristian Mendoza-Baquiax, 37, of Riverhead, pleaded guilty to three counts of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, and other related charges, following a multi-vehicle crash on County Road 105 in Riverhead, killing his own passenger, Nelson Reyes-Muxin, 33, of Riverhead, and injuring several others.

“This defendant’s fateful decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol caused the tragic death of Nelson Reyes-Muxin and severe injuries to several other individuals,” said District Attorney Tierney. “This conviction is a reminder to all that drunk driving kills.”

According to court documents and the defendant’s admissions during his guilty plea allocution, on August 7, 2024, at approximately 6:15 p.m., the defendant was operating a white 2010 Acura MDX northbound on County Road 105 in Riverhead. Mendoza-Baquiax drove around a northbound car at a high rate of speed and into the opposite lane of travel, where he struck several vehicles. In total, seven cars were involved in the crash. A passenger in the defendant’s vehicle, Nelson Reyes- Muxin, died as a result of injuries he sustained. Another passenger also in the defendant’s vehicle sustained multiple fractures to his arm, a dislocated shoulder, and was treated at Peconic Bay Medical Center.

The driver of another vehicle involved in the crash sustained two fractured legs, a dislocated ankle, and was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital for medical treatment. In addition, two other individuals were transported to local hospitals for injuries they sustained as a result of the crash.

Mendoza-Baquiax exhibited signs of intoxication and stated that he had six beers. He was subsequently placed under arrest and consented to a blood draw upon request by police. Toxicology tested of his blood revealed a blood alcohol concentration of .21%. The defendant was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of injuries he sustained from the crash. A sample of the defendant’s blood taken by hospital staff upon his admission was also seized pursuant to a search warrant. Subsequent toxicology testing of that sample, taken at an earlier time than the sample taken by police, revealed that he had a .25% blood alcohol content.

On March 11, 2025, Mendoza-Baquiax pleaded guilty before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski to the following charges:

  • Three counts of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, Class B felonies;
  • One count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;
  • Two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, Class D felonies;
  • One count of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, a Class E felony; and
  • Two counts of Assault in the Third Degree, Class A misdemeanors.

    The defendant is due back in court for sentencing on April 15, 2025, where he is expected to be sentenced to five to 15 years imprisonment. He is being represented by the Suffolk County Legal Aid Society.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Alexander Bopp of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Michael Carrieri of the Riverhead Town Police Department.

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

The Defendant Faces Up to 25 Years in Prison at Sentencing

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on March 3 that a Huntington Station man, 33, (who is not being named to avoid indentifying the victim) was found guilty after a jury trial of Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, and Endangering the Welfare of a Child, for beating his girlfriend’s two-year-old daughter causing life-threatening injuries.

“A defenseless two-year-old child was left in critical condition after enduring horrific injuries caused by this defendant under circumstances evincing his depraved indifference to her life,” said District Attorney Tierney. “No parent should ever come home to find their child in such a state, and no child should ever have to endure such heinous abuse. We thank the jury for their time and attention in this case, and we will be seeking the maximum penalty allowable under the law at the defendant’s sentencing.”

The evidence at trial established that between February 17, 2024 and February 19, 2024, the defendant was babysitting his girlfriend’s two-year-old daughter while she went to work and ran errands.

Upon returning home on February 18, 2024, the child’s mother noticed significant bruises on her child’s body, and on February 19, 2024, she noticed that her child had a new, significant bruise on her face, that her child was vomiting profusely, and was unable to stand or respond to her.

The mother brought her child to the emergency room at Huntington Hospital, where it was determined that the child was in critical condition. The child was then transferred to Cohen Children’s Medical Center, where she received emergency surgery to repair a life-threatening injury to her small intestine which was caused by significant blunt force trauma.

On February 28, 2025, the defendant was convicted of the following charges after a jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei:

  • One count of Assault in the First Degree, a Class B violent felony;
  • Two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, Class D violent felonies; and
  • One count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a Class A misdemeanor.

    The defendant is due back in court for sentencing on April 10, 2025, and faces up to 25 years in prison on the top count. He is being represented by Matthew Tuohy, Esq.

    This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Katherine Flinchum and Kirsten Reilly of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau, and the investigation was conducted by Detective Christopher Albanese of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Special Victims Section.

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