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Suffolk County, NY

'Panicked' Addict Admits Dismembering Body Of OD Victim, Scattering Remains Across Long Island 'Panicked' Addict Admits Dismembering Body Of OD Victim, Scattering Remains Across Long Island
'Panicked' Addict Admits Dismembering Body Of OD Victim, Scattering Remains Across Long Island A man formally confessed to mutilating a friend’s body and scattering the woman’s remains across Long Island. Gary Cowell, 72, of Patchogue, pleaded guilty to concealing a human corpse and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, Jan. 16, in connection to the death of Yvette Leonard. Suffolk County Police interviewed Cowell after learning that he was the last person to see Leonard alive in June 2024, according to the district attorney’s office. After multiple interviews with witnesses and numerous subpoenas and search warrants, Cowell confessed to detectives that he panicked af…
High Driver Purposely Struck Officer's Patrol Car Causing Rollover Crash On LIE, DA Says High Driver Purposely Struck Officer's Patrol Car Causing Rollover Crash On LIE, DA Says
High Driver Purposely Struck Officer's Patrol Car Causing Rollover Crash On LIE, DA Says A speeding driver high on marijuana intentionally struck a police officer’s patrol car, causing it to roll over on the Long Island Expressway, prosecutors alleged. Cody Fisher, 29, of Brentwood, was indicted for assault on a police officer and several related charges in Suffolk County Court on Friday, Jan. 17, in connection with an officer-involved crash on the LIE in Brentwood on Sunday evening, Jan. 5. Suffolk County Police officer Brendon Gallagher was conducting a traffic stop near exit 57 in Islandia at around 6 p.m. when Fisher sped by in a Ford Mustang going between 95 and 100 miles …
Driver Killed, Second Motorist Hospitalized After 3-Vehicle Long Island Crash Driver Killed, Second Motorist Hospitalized After 3-Vehicle Long Island Crash
Driver Killed, Second Motorist Hospitalized After 3-Vehicle Long Island Crash A driver was killed and a second person was hospitalized following a multi-vehicle crash on Long Island. Emergency crews in Centerearch were called about a three-vehicle wreck on Nicolls Road near Mark Tree Road at around 7:40 a.m. Thursday, Jan. 16. An investigation found that a Honda SUV was traveling southbound on Nicolls Road when it crossed into the northbound lanes and struck a Buick SUV, Suffolk County Police said. The Buick then sideswiped a Jeep SUV. The driver of the Honda was pronounced dead at the scene, police said. Their identity had not been released as of Thursday evening.…
Ex-Long Island Attorney Steals $75K From Clients, DA Says Ex-Long Island Attorney Steals $75K From Clients, DA Says
Ex-Long Island Attorney Steals $75K From Clients, DA Says A former Long Island attorney is accused of embezzling tens of thousands of dollars from his clients. Daniel Fier, 40, was arraigned on grand larceny and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Tuesday, Jan. 14, for allegedly stealing $70,000 from two clients he represented in real estate transactions. Fier was hired by the first victim in January 2022 when a buyer provided a down payment of $13,450 into an escrow account he controlled. Instead of releasing the funds at the appropriate time, he spent the money on personal expenses, prosecutors said. The second case involved Fier’s role …
LI Grandfather Admits Sexually Abusing Granddaughter For Years LI Grandfather Admits Sexually Abusing Granddaughter For Years
LI Grandfather Admits Sexually Abusing Granddaughter For Years A Long Island man is facing years in prison after confessing he sexually abused his young granddaughter for years. The Wading River man, who prosecutors are not naming in order to protect the victim’s identity, pleaded guilty to criminal sexual conduct and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Tuesday, Jan. 14. His plea came in the middle of a jury trial already underway. An investigation found that between the fall of 2017 and March 2021, the defendant subjected the victim to repeated acts of sexual abuse whenever she stayed at his house, prosecutors said. The girl was seven years old…
'Media Maven' Gives Voice To LI's Missing: 'I Just Do It Out Of Heart' 'Media Maven' Gives Voice To LI's Missing: 'I Just Do It Out Of Heart'
'Media Maven' Gives Voice To LI's Missing: 'I Just Do It Out Of Heart' Tiana Heath is turning heartbreak into hope. Armed with a degree in television and radio from Brooklyn College, the Long Island native, 30, has devoted herself to giving voice to Nassau and Suffolk counties’ voiceless through her budding YouTube series, “Missing on Long Island.” “I was inspired by a show called ‘Disappeared’ on Investigation Discovery. And six years ago, I was like, I want to have a show just dedicated to missing people on Long Island, because nobody is doing that,” Heath told Daily Voice. “I was like, you know what? Let me create that show.” So, in 2019 she and partner An…
Officer Seriously Injured By Drunk Driver On LIE Upgraded To Fair Condition, Police Say Officer Seriously Injured By Drunk Driver On LIE Upgraded To Fair Condition, Police Say
Officer Seriously Injured By Drunk Driver On LIE Upgraded To Fair Condition, Police Say A police officer who was gravely injured by a suspected drunk driver on the Long Island Expressway is on the road to recovery. Suffolk County Police officer Brendon Gallagher has been upgraded to fair condition and remains at Stony Brook University Hospital, the department revealed Tuesday, Jan. 14. Gallagher, a three-year veteran of the force, was critically injured while pursuing Cody Fischer, suspected of speeding under the influence, on Sunday evening, Jan. 5, as Daily Voice reported. The incident began at approximately 6:09 p.m. near Exit 55 in the westbound lanes of the LIE. Gallaghe…
Port Jefferson Man Killed In Coram Crash: Suffolk Police Port Jefferson Man Killed In Coram Crash: Suffolk Police
Port Jefferson Man Killed In Coram Crash: Suffolk Police An 85-year-old Port Jefferson man died in a crash involving multiple vehicles at the intersection of County Road 83 and Route 112 in Coram, Suffolk County police announced Friday, Jan. 10. David Black was driving a 2018 Ford Mustang northbound on Route 112 when his vehicle collided with a 2019 GMC Sierra pickup heading northbound on County Road 83, police said. The impact caused the Mustang to hit two additional vehicles before coming to a stop. The Sierra, driven by 35-year-old Timothy McGreevey of Rocky Point, struck a van that was stopped in the turning lane on County Road 83, authoritie…
Horrific Abuse Against His Children Lands Long Island Dad 57 Year Sentence Horrific Abuse Against His Children Lands Long Island Dad 57 Year Sentence
Horrific Abuse Against His Children Lands Long Island Dad 57 Year Sentence A Selden father will spend up to 57 years in prison after being convicted of sexually abusing three of his children over a 13-year period, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Friday, Jan. 10. The 68-year-old man subjected his children to years of unimaginable abuse between 1997 and 2010, prosecutors said. The victims, then just 7 to 13 years old, were too frightened to report the abuse, fearing separation from their siblings. “It is unconscionable that a father would subject his own children to years of such heinous acts of sexual violence,” District Attorney Ti…
Woman Killed, Two Men Seriously Injured In Long Island House Fire: Police Woman Killed, Two Men Seriously Injured In Long Island House Fire: Police
Woman Killed, Two Men Seriously Injured In Long Island House Fire: Police A woman was killed, and two men were seriously injured in a house fire on Storz Place in Lindenhurst late Thursday, Jan. 9, Suffolk County police announced. First Precinct officers responded to a 911 call reporting the blaze at 9 Storz Place at 11:11 p.m., police said. Three occupants were rescued from the home by police and first responders. The woman, who has not yet been identified, was pronounced dead at the scene by the Copiague Fire Department, authorities said. Her identity and cause of death will be determined by the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner following an autopsy…
Driver Hit 121 MPH Before Fatal Southern State Parkway Crash: Suffolk County DA Driver Hit 121 MPH Before Fatal Southern State Parkway Crash: Suffolk County DA
Driver Hit 121 MPH Before Fatal Southern State Parkway Crash: Suffolk County DA A Lindenhurst man reached speeds of 121 mph before causing a crash that killed a West Babylon man and injured four others on the Southern State Parkway, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Wednesday, Jan. 8, 2025. Felix Jose Pantaleon Tavarez, 22, was allegedly driving recklessly in his 2014 Honda Civic westbound near North Babylon on Sept. 22, 2024, at approximately 10:30 p.m. Investigators said Pantaleon Tavarez was weaving through lanes, recording himself on his cellphone, and driving at an excessive speed when he rear-ended a 2009 Honda CRV near exit 39S, cau…
Car Strike Seriously Injures Woman In Long Island: Police Car Strike Seriously Injures Woman In Long Island: Police
Car Strike Seriously Injures Woman In Long Island: Police A 78-year-old woman was hospitalized with serious injuries after being struck by a vehicle in Bay Shore, Suffolk County police announced on Tuesday, Jan. 7. Marie Lanfrit, of Bay Shore, was crossing Spur Drive North when a 2005 Ford, driven by 65-year-old Ken Anthony of Central Islip, hit her at 5:45 p.m., authorities said. The crash happened as Anthony attempted to turn left onto the eastbound lanes of Spur Drive North from Fifth Avenue, according to police. Lanfrit was rushed to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore for treatment of serious physical injuries, police said. Anthony w…
8 Dogs, 4 Cats Rescued From Convicted Abusers In Suffolk County Crackdown 8 Dogs, 4 Cats Rescued From Convicted Abusers In Suffolk County Crackdown
8 Dogs, 4 Cats Rescued From Convicted Abusers In Suffolk County Crackdown More than a dozen animals were rescued from convicted abusers during Suffolk County’s “Operation Bloodhound,” Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced on Tuesday, Jan. 7, 2025. The operation, led by the District Attorney’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST) in partnership with the Suffolk County Police Department, uncovered shocking violations of court orders by previously convicted animal abusers. Among the cases, a Calverton woman was found in possession of eight dogs despite a court order barring her from owning animals while her cruelty case is…
Yaphank Woman Indicted For Killing Grandma, Injuring Mom In Drunk Driving Crash: DA Yaphank Woman Indicted For Killing Grandma, Injuring Mom In Drunk Driving Crash: DA
Yaphank Woman Indicted For Killing Grandma, Injuring Mom In Drunk Driving Crash: DA A Yaphank woman has been indicted on manslaughter and drunk driving charges for a crash that killed 75-year-old Esther Guy of Coram, who was riding with her daughter and grandson, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced Tuesday, Jan. 7. Melissa Koprowski, 31, is accused of driving drunk and causing a fatal crash on Middle Country Road in Middle Island on Nov. 22, 2024, at 8:39 p.m., prosecutors said. Koprowski was driving a 2014 Dodge Durango eastbound when she attempted to make a left turn at Wading River Hollow Road without yielding to oncoming traffic, investigators sa…
Severely Injured Kangal Shepherd Among 3 Neglected Puppies Rescued From Long Island Home: DA Severely Injured Kangal Shepherd Among 3 Neglected Puppies Rescued From Long Island Home: DA
Severely Injured Kangal Shepherd Among 3 Neglected Puppies Rescued From Long Island Home: DA For the second time in a month, a Long Island man is charged with animal cruelty after investigators rescued three allegedly neglected Kangal Shepherd puppies. Munim Raghid, 26, of Ronkonkoma, was arrested Thursday, Jan. 2, following an investigation by members of the Suffolk County DA’s Biological, Environmental, and Animal Safety Team (BEAST). The probe began when a good Samaritan found an injured puppy on a roadway on New Year’s Eve, Tuesday, Dec. 31. The puppy, unable to walk, was rushed to Atlantic Coast Veterinary Specialists, where it was diagnosed with severe leg and pelvis fracture…
'True Hero' Honored For Saving Jet Skier Who Fell Through Frozen LI Canal 'True Hero' Honored For Saving Jet Skier Who Fell Through Frozen LI Canal
'True Hero' Honored For Saving Jet Skier Who Fell Through Frozen LI Canal Local leaders formally honored a New York woman being hailed as a hero for rescuing a jet skier from a frozen canal. The dramatic rescue unfolded on Long Island's Poospatuck Creek in Mastic Beach, after a man found himself stuck and sinking in the icy water on Thursday, Dec. 26. Kayla Masotto spotted the struggling jet skier from her living room window and quickly sprang into action, walking onto the thin ice with her paddleboard to reach him, as Daily Voice reported. The canal had partially frozen over after overnight temperatures dipped into the low 20s. By the time she got to him, his …
From Transgender Athletes To Mask Ban: These Political Stories Had Long Island Talking In 2024 From Transgender Athletes To Mask Ban: These Political Stories Had Long Island Talking In 2024
From Transgender Athletes To Mask Ban: These Political Stories Had Long Island Talking In 2024 From a historic presidential conviction to heated debates over mask bans and transgender athletes, 2024 was a political whirlwind that kept Long Islanders talking, tweeting, and taking sides. Here are some of the most-read Daily Voice politics stories from across Nassau and Suffolk counties this year. The US House voted to expel New York Rep. George Santos from office Friday, Dec. 1.  US House/Martin Falbisoner George Santos Announces Comeback Bid For NY Congressional Seat: 'Off To The Races' Disgraced former New York Rep. George Santos mounted – and quickly rescinded – a comeback…
Sex Trafficking: LI Man Used Violence, Drugs To Control Victim, DA Says Sex Trafficking: LI Man Used Violence, Drugs To Control Victim, DA Says
Sex Trafficking: LI Man Used Violence, Drugs To Control Victim, DA Says A Long Island man is accused of using violence and drugs to traffic a woman against her will. Mitchell Johnson, 38, of Farmingville, was arraigned on sex trafficking and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, Dec. 26. Prosecutors said Johnson began trafficking his victim in March 2023, using crack cocaine to impair her judgment and control her actions. He allegedly forced her to engage in sexual acts for profit while keeping all the money, preventing her from leaving a motel room alone and confiscating her identification. Johnson also reportedly threatened physical violence …
School Sex Scandal, Record Flooding, Mystery Drones: These Stories Shaped Long Island In 2024 School Sex Scandal, Record Flooding, Mystery Drones: These Stories Shaped Long Island In 2024
School Sex Scandal, Record Flooding, Mystery Drones: These Stories Shaped Long Island In 2024 From record-breaking flooding and school sex scandals to celebrity legal drama and mysterious drones, Long Island had no shortage of headline-making news this year. Here’s a look back at the stories that had us talking in 2024. A small plane was forced to make an emergency landing on the Southern State Parkway in East Farmingdale on Tuesday morning, Feb. 20.  Breaking News Network/New York State Department of Transportation Update: Small Plane Crash Lands On NY Highway; Troopers Seeking Witness Video A small plane was forced to make a crash landing on the Southern State Parkwa…
Intoxicated Long Island Driver Had 2 Children In Vehicle During Routine Traffic Stop: Cops Intoxicated Long Island Driver Had 2 Children In Vehicle During Routine Traffic Stop: Cops
Intoxicated Long Island Driver Had 2 Children In Vehicle During Routine Traffic Stop: Cops A Long Island man was busted for alleged felony aggravated DWI with two children under the age of 16 in his vehicle during a routine traffic stop of a 2021 Cadillac Escalade. Donald Durando, age 44, of Smithtown, Suffolk County, was charged by state police in Windham, Greene County, on Saturday, Dec. 28, NYSP Trooper Jennifer Alvarez said. While interviewing Durando, troopers smelled the strong odor of alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath. Alvarez said. Durando submitted to a field sobriety test, which he failed, and was placed under arrest without incident.  Two children…
Pedestrian Identified In Fatal Sunrise Highway Crash: Police Pedestrian Identified In Fatal Sunrise Highway Crash: Police
Pedestrian Identified In Fatal Sunrise Highway Crash: Police The pedestrian fatally struck by a vehicle on Sunrise Highway in Oakdale has been identified, Suffolk County Police announced on Monday, Dec. 30. Steven McDonald, 63, of Coram, was in the roadway of eastbound Sunrise Highway, between exits 48 and 49, when he was hit by a 2011 BMW 550 driven by Wayne Griffith, 60, of Medford, at 9:25 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 27, police said. McDonald was pronounced dead at the scene by a physician assistant from the Office of the Suffolk County Medical Examiner, police said. Griffith was not injured, and the BMW was impounded for a safety check, according to au…
Million-Dollar Views: Peek Inside Long Island's Most Expensive Homes That Sold In 2024 Million-Dollar Views: Peek Inside Long Island's Most Expensive Homes That Sold In 2024
Million-Dollar Views: Peek Inside Long Island's Most Expensive Homes That Sold In 2024 From waterfront estates with sprawling acreage to architectural masterpieces, Long Island saw some jaw-dropping real estate deals close in 2024. Here's a look at some of the most expensive homes that changed hands this year in Nassau and Suffolk counties. Sothebys Internaitonal Realty 155 Seascape Lane in Sagaponack – Sold for $24.9M in June 2024 6 bedrooms, 8.5 bathrooms with undisclosed square footage on 1.09 acres overlooking Sagaponack Pond. From the Redfin listing: “Masterfully crafted by Faruk Yorgancioglu and thoughtfully designed to blend into its natural surroundings, th…
Delicious Year: These Restaurants Made Their Long Island Debut In 2024 Delicious Year: These Restaurants Made Their Long Island Debut In 2024
Delicious Year: These Restaurants Made Their Long Island Debut In 2024 Long Island’s dining scene sizzled in 2024 with a delicious mix of new openings, bringing fresh flavors and exciting experiences to foodies across the region. Here’s a look back at Daily Voice’s coverage of the restaurants that opened this year in Nassau and Suffolk counties: Yayoi Ramen In Carle Place Cited For 'Solid Lunch Specials' Yayoi Ramen – located in Carle Place at 19 Old Country Road – opened in late June 2024. Our lead: A new Long Island restaurant that invites diners to “experience the art of ramen” earned high praise weeks into business. Uno Mas Southampton Cited For 'Deligh…
LI Facebook Marketplace Scammer Admits Dragging Victim With Car, Breaking Man's Pelvis LI Facebook Marketplace Scammer Admits Dragging Victim With Car, Breaking Man's Pelvis
LI Facebook Marketplace Scammer Admits Dragging Victim With Car, Breaking Man's Pelvis A Long Island man admitted to a violent robbery stemming from a Facebook Marketplace scam that left the victim seriously injured. Jordan Behling, 23, of Wheatley Heights, pleaded guilty to robbery and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, Dec. 19, in connection with the June 2023 incident Prosecutors said Behling arranged to sell a PlayStation 5 console to the victim through Facebook Marketplace. When he arrived at the victim’s home in an SUV, the victim handed him $280 in cash through the car window. But instead of handing over the PS5, Behling sped off while the victim wa…
Pedestrian Killed Crossing Long Island Expressway ID'd: Police Pedestrian Killed Crossing Long Island Expressway ID'd: Police
Pedestrian Killed Crossing Long Island Expressway ID'd: Police A man was struck and killed by a car while in the middle lane of the Long Island Expressway in Hauppauge, Suffolk County police announced on Friday, Dec. 20. Jose Garcia Granados, 28, of Central Islip, was in the roadway near Exit 57 when he was struck by a 2014 Honda Civic driven by 37-year-old Jennifer McGee of Southold, according to detectives. The crash occurred eastbound at approximately 9:40 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19, police said. Granados was pronounced dead at the scene. McGee was transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for evaluation, authorities noted. The Honda was impou…
LI School Staffer Fired Over 'Troubling' Social Media Posts LI School Staffer Fired Over 'Troubling' Social Media Posts
LI School Staffer Fired Over 'Troubling' Social Media Posts A recently hired staffer at a Long Island high school is out of a job after troubling social media posts surfaced. Administrators at Smithtown High School East contacted the Suffolk County Police Department on Wednesday, Dec. 18, after discovering what the district described as a series of “troubling” posts the employee shared online. Officers with the Fourth Precinct Crime Section reviewed the content and determined they were not criminal and posed no credible threat, a Suffolk County Police spokesperson told Daily Voice. The employee, who school officials said had recently been hired, wa…
Spectators Beware: Street Takeover-Watching Would Be Illegal Under LI Proposal Spectators Beware: Street Takeover-Watching Would Be Illegal Under LI Proposal
Spectators Beware: Street Takeover-Watching Would Be Illegal Under LI Proposal Long Island leaders are taking aim at so-called street takeovers, which have injured spectators and blocked emergency vehicles in recent months. A proposal introduced by the Suffolk County Legislature on Tuesday, Dec. 17, would make it illegal for a spectator to attend the reckless stunts. “Spectators will no longer be able to gather in crowds, blocking traffic and encouraging this dangerous behavior without any consequences to themselves,” Allen Bode, a spokesperson for the Suffolk County DA’s office, said at a press conference held Wednesday, Dec. 18. The Suffolk County proposal follows …
Lives Stolen: These Are 7 Names Behind Gilgo Beach Murder Indictment Lives Stolen: These Are 7 Names Behind Gilgo Beach Murder Indictment
Lives Stolen: These Are 7 Names Behind Gilgo Beach Murder Indictment As accused serial killer Rex Heuermann faces his seventh murder charge, the stories of his alleged victims – young women whose lives were tragically and violently cut short – offer a haunting reminder of the human toll behind the Gilgo Beach case. Here’s a closer look at the seven victims named in the indictment: Melissa Barthelemy, 24 Melissa Barthelemy Suffolk County Police Described by family as a talented hair stylist from the Bronx, she dreamed of opening her own salon. She was last seen alive on July 10, 2009, in her basement apartment on Underhill Avenue.  Barthelemy’s…
NJ Escort IDd As 7th Victim Of Giglio Beach Serial Killer, Police Say NJ Escort IDd As 7th Victim Of Giglio Beach Serial Killer, Police Say
NJ Escort IDd As 7th Victim Of Giglio Beach Serial Killer, Police Say Accused Gilgo Beach serial killer Rex Heuermann was formally charged with murdering a seventh victim. Heuermann, 60, of Massapequa Park, was indicted for second-degree murder in the killing of Valerie Mack in Suffolk County Court on Tuesday morning, Dec. 17. Mack, a 24-year-old Wildwood, NJ woman was working as an escort when she disappeared in 2000. A group of hunters discovered her skeletal remains wrapped in a plastic bag in a wooded area of Manorville in November 2000. She had been decapitated, and both of her hands had been severed from her body, prosecutors said. Her right leg had a…
Mysterious Drones Spotted Over Long Island Amid Growing Local, State Monitoring Efforts Mysterious Drones Spotted Over Long Island Amid Growing Local, State Monitoring Efforts
Mysterious Drones Spotted Over Long Island Amid Growing Local, State Monitoring Efforts Mysterious drones that have sparked concerns across New Jersey and New York in recent weeks have now been spotted over Long Island. Local town Facebook and Nextdoor groups were inundated with reported sightings of the so far unexplained aircraft over the weekend, including in Oyster Bay, Huntington Station, Seaford, Northport, West Babylon, and Smithtown. The drones, first reported in mid-November over New Jersey, have caused disruptions and rampant speculation across the region. Notably, operations at Stewart International Airport in New Windsor were halted for nearly an hour on Friday, De…
Gilgo Beach Murders: 'Significant Development' To Be Announced By Investigative Task Force Gilgo Beach Murders: 'Significant Development' To Be Announced By Investigative Task Force
Gilgo Beach Murders: 'Significant Development' To Be Announced By Investigative Task Force Investigators in the Gilgo Beach serial murders are gearing up to announce a major break in the case. The Gilgo Beach Homicide Investigation Task Force – which includes the Suffolk County DA’s Office, Sheriff’s Office, and New York State Police – will reveal a “new significant development in the investigation” during a press conference planned for Tuesday morning, Dec. 17. It will follow a scheduled appearance by accused serial murderer Rex Heuermann inside a Suffolk County courtroom in Riverhead, the DA’s Office said. Suffolk County DA Raymond Tierney, Sheriff Errol Toulon Jr, Acting Suf…