CORAM MAN PLEADS GUILTY TO AGGRAVATED ATTEMPTED MURDER FOR SHOOTING OF SUFFOLK COUNTY POLICE OFFICER

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY) – Suffolk County Prosecutor Raymond A. Tierney announced today that Janell Funderburke, 21, of Coram, pleaded guilty to attempted aggravated murder and first-degree robbery, stemming from two separate incidents , including the shooting of a Suffolk County police officer in May. 2023.

“Today’s guilty plea is a stark reminder of the essential role law enforcement plays in upholding justice and the rule of law. The heinous actions of this defendant, who shot a police officer who clearly identified himself and then fled, demonstrate a blatant and blatant disregard for the very fabric of our legal system,” said Prosecutor Tierney. “Such acts of violence against those who protect our communities cannot be tolerated and will be punished with the full force of justice. I would like to thank the Suffolk County Police Department and especially Officer Lafauci for their exemplary work in this case.

According to court documents and the defendant's confession during his guilty plea, on May 8, 2023, Funderburke met with two women near his residence on Homestead Drive in Coram. After meeting them, an argument ensued, then escalated until Funderburke pointed 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 for the robbery at gunpoint.

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

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

Following his arrest, a search warrant was executed at Funderburke's residence, where a loaded 9mm semi-automatic pistol with an extended magazine, a quantity of fentanyl and a quantity of carisoprodol, a controlled substance, were found. been recovered. A microscopic ballistic examination of the gun recovered from Funderburke's residence was the same gun 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 first-degree robbery, a violent crime of class B. Funderburke should be sentenced to 25 years to life in prison.

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

This case is being prosecuted by Bureau Chief James Slattery and Assistant Prosecutors Donald Barclay and William Richards with assistance from Discovery Dispatcher Isabella Sestak of the Violent Criminal Enterprise Bureau and Assistant Prosecutor Pilar O'Rourke of the Bureau of Violent Criminal Enterprise. 'call. The investigation was led by Brendan O'Hara of the Suffolk County Police Department's Homicide Squad.

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The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.

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