Gunman Admits To 'Execution-Style' Murder Of 32-Year-Old Outside Mastic Beach Business Gunman Admits To 'Execution-Style' Murder Of 32-Year-Old Outside Mastic Beach Business
Gunman Admits To 'Execution-Style' Murder Of 32-Year-Old Outside Mastic Beach Business An accused gunman formally confessed to shooting a man to death outside a Long Island business. Joseph Scalafani, age 34, of Mastic Beach, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in Suffolk County Court on Tuesday, Nov. 12, in the death of Alex Smith. Prosecutors said Scalafani ambushed the 32-year-old Smith and the man’s girlfriend as they exited a Mastic Beach bar on Neighborhood Road, at around 2 a.m. on May 20, 2023. Earlier Report: Wanted: Suspect ID'd In Fatal Shooting Of 30-Year-Old Long Island Man He fired numerous shots at Smith, striking him multiple times in his back and …
Home Health Aide Steals Thousands Of Dollars From Babylon Patient, Police Say Home Health Aide Steals Thousands Of Dollars From Babylon Patient, Police Say
Home Health Aide Steals Thousands Of Dollars From Babylon Patient, Police Say A Long Island caregiver is accused of stealing thousands of dollars from her elderly patient. Relatives of a 90-year-old Babylon woman contacted New York State Police on Thursday, Oct. 24, after noticing several suspicious transactions on her bank statement. An investigation revealed that the woman’s home health aide, 39-year-old Jeneva Polwah, of Levittown, had used her debit card to make several Amazon purchases, police said. A total of $1,850 worth of Amazon purchases was charged to the victim’s card between June and October 2024. “Polwah misused her position of trust to steal money fr…
41-Year-Old Killed In Early-Morning Collision On Long Island 41-Year-Old Killed In Early-Morning Collision On Long Island
41-Year-Old Killed In Early-Morning Collision On Long Island A man was killed in an early-morning collision between a car and bicycle on Long Island. The incident happened in Farmingdale, near the intersection of Fulton and Staples streets, shortly after 5 a.m. Tuesday, Nov. 12. Nassau County Police said a Honda SUV was heading southbound on Fulton Street when it struck a 41-year-old man riding a bicycle. The bicyclist, a 41-year-old, was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity had not been made public as of early Tuesday afternoon. Police said the 37-year-old man driving of the Honda remained at the scene and was taken to a hospital with minor…
Suffolk County Sweet Shop Burglarized, Cash Stolen In Break-In Suffolk County Sweet Shop Burglarized, Cash Stolen In Break-In
Suffolk County Sweet Shop Burglarized, Cash Stolen In Break-In A Long Island sweet shop was hit by a burglar who made off with cash, leaving the popular business with unexpected losses. Officers were called to Star Confectionary in Riverhead on East Main Street on Tuesday, Nov. 12, after the owner discovered the break-in around 7:55 a.m.  Initially, it appeared that nothing was missing, but the owner later found that assorted US currency had been taken, Riverhead Police said. Detectives believe the break-in happened between 11:30 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, and 7:30 a.m. on Tuesday. Authorities urge anyone with information to contact the Riverhead P…
Risk Increases For Major Hurricane To Develop In Days: Here's Timing, Track Scenarios Risk Increases For Major Hurricane To Develop In Days: Here's Timing, Track Scenarios
Risk Increases For Major Hurricane To Develop In Days: Here's Timing, Track Scenarios Extremely warm water temperatures and low wind shear will increase the risk for the development of a major hurricane in the Gulf of America. The timing for tropical development in the western Caribbean is between Thursday, Nov. 14, and Monday, Nov. 18, according to AccuWeather. (See the image above.)   “We’ll likely be dealing with a hurricane as we head into this weekend," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said. "There is increasing confidence that a tropical storm will develop in the central to western Caribbean later this week.  “We could be dealing with a st…
Fireball Lights Up East Coast Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across NY Fireball Lights Up East Coast Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across NY
Fireball Lights Up East Coast Sky, Captivating Hundreds Across NY A bright fireball streaked across the East Coast on Monday, Nov. 11, catching the attention of hundreds of people from Connecticut to Virginia (did you see it? Send footage to clevine@dailyvoice.com). The American Meteor Society reported that 236 people witnessed the fireball around 7:48 p.m., with sightings spanning 13 states, the District of Columbia, and Ontario, Canada (click here for the sightings map). Witnesses described the fireball as a striking light blue or green that illuminated the sky for four to seven seconds, moving diagonally from the upper right to the lower left. The eve…
5 LIers, Including Ex-NYPD Cop, Nabbed For Illegal Online Sports Betting Operation: DA 5 LIers, Including Ex-NYPD Cop, Nabbed For Illegal Online Sports Betting Operation: DA
5 LIers, Including Ex-nypd Cop, Nabbed For Illegal Online Sports Betting Operation: DA Five individuals, including a former New York City Police Department (NYPD) officer, were indicted following an investigation into an alleged illegal online sports betting ring. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced on Thursday, Nov. 7 that the news comes after a 14-month investigation involving wiretaps and surveillance.  The investigation, which began in July 2023, allegedly uncovered an illegal sportsbook operation running from September 2023 to April 2024. According to the indictment, Anthony Pellegrino, age 59, of Merrick, set up online accounts for his asso…
16-Year-Old Burglary Suspect Nabbed Inside Suffolk County Restaurant 16-Year-Old Burglary Suspect Nabbed Inside Suffolk County Restaurant
16-Year-Old Burglary Suspect Nabbed Inside Suffolk County Restaurant A burglary suspect was quickly apprehended after officers found him inside a local restaurant. Police responded to La Plage Restaurant on Creek Road in Wading River at about 12:55 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 11, after a 911 caller reported a break-in. Upon arrival, Riverhead patrol and K9 units discovered a 16-year-old boy inside the restaurant. Riverhead’s detective division joined the investigation, and officers arrested the teen, charging him with third-degree burglary. He was later processed and released with a desk appearance ticket. Riverhead Police encourage anyone who may have witnessed t…
COVID-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts COVID-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts
Covid-19: Health Department Urges NYers To Get Vaccine As Respiratory Illness Season Starts With respiratory illness season underway, the New York State Department of Health is actively urging residents aged 6 months and older to get the latest COVID-19 vaccine.  This recommendation aligns with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recent update, which emphasizes the importance of a second dose of the 2024-2025 vaccine for older adults and those at higher risk. The CDC now advises that adults aged 65 and older, along with individuals who are moderately or severely immunocompromised, should receive a second dose six months after their initial vaccination. This u…
Woman Admits To Threatening NY Resident In Racially Charged Facebook Messages Woman Admits To Threatening NY Resident In Racially Charged Facebook Messages
Woman Admits To Threatening NY Resident In Racially Charged Facebook Messages A woman has pleaded guilty to sending racially motivated death threats to a man in  New York. Kristin Keeble, age 54, of Pageland, South Carolina, admitted to transmitting threats to injure another person across state lines, according to the US Attorney's Office of the Northern District of New York. Keeble sent four profanity-laced, racially derogatory audio messages through Facebook Messenger on Oct. 26, 2023  to a Greene County man who resides in the village of Catskill. In the messages, she threatened to kill the man, along with a woman he knew and the woman's children, claimi…
No, The FBI Says It Isn't Investigating 301 Election Bribery Claims Or Other Lies No, The FBI Says It Isn't Investigating 301 Election Bribery Claims Or Other Lies
No, The FBI Says It Isn't Investigating 301 Election Bribery Claims Or Other Lies The Federal Bureau of Investigations said it has seen a rise in fake stories using the agency's name and insignia being shared online in an attempt to undermine the recent presidential election.  The FBI cited four fake stories being shared on social media trading on the agency's reputation to give credence to lies.  Those included a video stating that “at least 301 electors reported attempted bribery and blackmail" from a political party, the agency said in a news release. Another claimed that agents had tried to cover up the bribery scheme by pressuring news media outl…
New Images Of Stranded New England Astronaut Spark Concerns New Images Of Stranded New England Astronaut Spark Concerns
New Images Of Stranded New England Astronaut Spark Concerns NASA is assuring the public that a Massachusetts astronaut is in good health after recent photos of the woman sparked concerns to the contrary. Pilot Suni Williams, from the town of Needham in Norfolk County, has been stuck aboard the International Space Station since early June after NASA discovered multiple problems with the Boeing-built Starliner spacecraft. The 59-year-old retired Navy officer, along with her colleague Butch Wilmore, were originally scheduled to return home after eight days. They’ll now hitch a ride back to Earth on a SpaceX Dragon capsule in February 2025. Earlier …
MS-13 Duo Admits To Attempted Murder In Brutal Long Island Stabbings MS-13 Duo Admits To Attempted Murder In Brutal Long Island Stabbings
MS-13 Duo Admits To Attempted Murder In Brutal Long Island Stabbings Two self-identified MS-13 gang members have admitted to attempted murder charges for their roles in a violent assault and stabbing of two men on Long Island. Brandon Meza-Hernandez, age 32, and Jonny Turcios, age 35, pleaded guilty on Wednesday, Nov. 6, to two counts each of attempted murder in the second degree.  Meza-Hernandez is expected to receive a 10-year prison sentence, while Turcios faces 12 years, with sentencing dates set for January 2025. The attack occurred early on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2024, they attacked a victim in Hempstead near 76 North Franklin St., allegedly i…
Long Island Man Sentenced For Fatal Shooting Of Ex-Fiancée In Parking Garage Long Island Man Sentenced For Fatal Shooting Of Ex-Fiancée In Parking Garage
Long Island Man Sentenced For Fatal Shooting Of Ex-Fiancée In Parking Garage A man was sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for murdering his ex-fiancée in an underground parking garage on Long Island. The shooting occurred on March 31, 2022, in the New Hyde Park garage of the medical facility where the victim worked. Quay Sean Hines, age 33, of Bay Shore, was convicted in September of second-degree murder and two counts of criminal possession of a weapon in the fatal shooting of 33-year-old Amelia Laguerre.  Hines waited in the garage with a loaded firearm and confronted Laguerre as she entered around 4:10 p.m., , Nassau County District Attorney Anne …
Driver Tried Killing Woman With Her Car During Dispute At Bellport Shopping Center, DA Says Driver Tried Killing Woman With Her Car During Dispute At Bellport Shopping Center, DA Says
Driver Tried Killing Woman With Her Car During Dispute At Bellport Shopping Center, DA Says A Long Island woman is facing an attempted murder charge after allegedly striking another woman with her car. Philomena Mistretta, age 51, of Coram, was indicted on multiple charges in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, Nov. 8, in connection with an incident at North Bellport’s Miracle Plaza on Montauk Highway. According to prosecutors, Mistretta was sitting in her driver’s seat when she got into an argument with a woman standing next to the passenger side at around 3:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 26. Earlier Report: Coram Resident Intentionally Strikes Woman With Minivan In North Bellp…
Iranian Operative, 2 NY Associates Nabbed In Plot To Assassinate Donald Trump, DOJ Says Iranian Operative, 2 NY Associates Nabbed In Plot To Assassinate Donald Trump, DOJ Says
Iranian Operative, 2 NY Associates Nabbed In Plot To Assassinate Donald Trump, DOJ Says An Iranian operative and two associates living in America have been charged in a murder-for-hire plot targeting United States citizens, including President-elect Donald Trump. Federal authorities have charged Farhad Shakeri, an alleged operative of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), along with two New York City associates in a plot to assassinate a US citizen critical of the Iranian government.  The case highlights the continued threat posed by Iran’s attempts to silence dissidents and even target top US. officials. According to the Department of Justice criminal complai…
Missing Long Island 19-Year-Old Found 10 Days After Disappearance Missing Long Island 19-Year-Old Found 10 Days After Disappearance
Missing Long Island 19-Year-Old Found 10 Days After Disappearance A teenager from Long Island has been located 10 days after his disappearance. Jared Schwerdt, age 19, had last been seen leaving his Levittown residence on a blue-and-white bicycle Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 5:40 p.m., according to Nassau County Police. On Friday morning, Nov. 8, police announced that he has been found. No further details were released. Earlier report: Authorities have released new information about a missing person case involving a Long Island teen. Jared Schwerdt, age 19, was last seen leaving his Levittown residence on a blue-and-white bicycle Tuesday, Oct. 29, at 5:40 p.m…
These Over-The-Counter Decongestants Don't Work, FDA Says These Over-The-Counter Decongestants Don't Work, FDA Says
These Over-The-Counter Decongestants Don't Work, FDA Says A common ingredient found in most oral over-the-counter cold medicines should be removed from the market because it doesn’t work, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says. This follows an extensive review that found the drug ineffective for treating nasal congestion. Oral phenylephrine, widely marketed in cold and allergy medications, has been in use for decades as a go-to nasal decongestant.  However, an FDA review, backed by last year’s unanimous recommendation from the Nonprescription Drug Advisory Committee, found that phenylephrine in oral form does not deliver effective conge…
Rental Home Owners Dodge Jail After Hamptons Fire That Killed 2 Sisters Rental Home Owners Dodge Jail After Hamptons Fire That Killed 2 Sisters
Rental Home Owners Dodge Jail After Hamptons Fire That Killed 2 Sisters A husband and wife will avoid jail after admitting fault in a fire at their New York vacation rental that killed two sisters. On Long Island, Peter Miller, age 56, and Pamela Miller, age 55, were each sentenced to community service in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, Nov. 7, in the deaths of Lindsay and Jillian Wiener, CBS New York reports. The 19-year-old Lindsay and 21-year-old Jillian, both of Potomac, Maryland, were vacationing with their brother and parents at the Millers’ Noyac home when the blaze broke out on the morning of Aug. 3, 2022. Earlier Report: Sisters On Vacation K…
2 Killed In Wrong-Way Meadowbrook State Parkway Crash On Long Island 2 Killed In Wrong-Way Meadowbrook State Parkway Crash On Long Island
2 Killed In Wrong-Way Meadowbrook State Parkway Crash On Long Island Two people were killed in a wrong-way crash on a Long Island highway. It happened on the Meadowbrook State Parkway north of Bay Parkway in Hempstead, at around 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 6. New York State Police said a vehicle was heading southbound in the northbound lanes when it struck an oncoming car. Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. On Thursday, Nov. 7, police identified the wrong-way driver as 64-year-old Timothy Reid, of Huntington. He was driving a Nissan SUV. The other victim was identified as 28-year-old Byron Alvizures, of Hempstead. He was driving a Honda sedan…
Man Killed When Car Falls On Him Outside Bay Shore Pep Boys Man Killed When Car Falls On Him Outside Bay Shore Pep Boys
Man Killed When Car Falls On Him Outside Bay Shore Pep Boys A man was killed while working on a car outside a Long Island auto shop. The incident happened in Bay Shore, at the Pep Boys on Sunrise Highway, sometime overnight Wednesday, Nov. 6. Suffolk County Police said Stephan Edwards was in the parking lot working on a Kia sedan that was raised on a jack when the vehicle fell on him. The 30-year-old Edwards, of Margate, Florida, was discovered shortly before 9 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 7. He was pronounced dead at the scene. A police spokesperson told Daily Voice Edwards was not an employee at the business. Detectives are asking anyone with infor…
Ex-NYPD Officer From Lindenhurst Admits Causing High-Speed, Drunken Crash Killing 22-Year-Old Ex-NYPD Officer From Lindenhurst Admits Causing High-Speed, Drunken Crash Killing 22-Year-Old
Ex-nypd Officer From Lindenhurst Admits Causing High-Speed, Drunken Crash Killing 22-Year-Old A former NYPD officer and Marine reservist formally confessed to causing a high-speed, drunken crash on Long Island that killed a 22-year-old man. Aaron Cooper, age 26, of Lindenhurst, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and related charges in Nassau County Court on Wednesday, Nov. 6, in the death of Pablo Rivera. Prosecutors said Cooper’s blood alcohol content was twice the legal limit when he lost control of his sports car going over 100 miles per hour and struck a utility pole and tree along Rosedale Road in Valley Stream just before 4:30 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 10. Earlier Report: Ex-NYP…
'Wannabe Racecar Driver' Indicted For Stunt Crash Injuring 19-Year-Old In Patchogue 'Wannabe Racecar Driver' Indicted For Stunt Crash Injuring 19-Year-Old In Patchogue
'Wannabe Racecar Driver' Indicted For Stunt Crash Injuring 19-Year-Old In Patchogue A man accused of injuring a spectator during an illegal street takeover on Long Island was indicted on multiple charges. Matthew Mitchell, age 20, of Brooklyn, was charged with assault and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, Oct. 31. Prosecutors said Mitchell was with a large group of cars that gathered at Patchogue’s Gateway Plaza on Sunrise Highway in the early hours of Sunday, Oct. 6. Earlier Report: Dangerous 'Street Takeovers' Target Of Proposed Legislation Backed By Suffolk County Lawmaker Several of the vehicles were seen performing “doughnuts,” drifting, a…
Camera Captured Brother, Sister Abusing Elderly Mother Before Her Death On Long Island, DA Says Camera Captured Brother, Sister Abusing Elderly Mother Before Her Death On Long Island, DA Says
Camera Captured Brother, Sister Abusing Elderly Mother Before Her Death On Long Island, DA Says After a lifetime of caring for children and serving her community, Carmel McDougall was ultimately betrayed by her own son and daughter, prosecutors alleged. Long Island resident Michael McDougall, age 65, of Roosevelt, was indicted on manslaughter and related charges in Nassau County Court on Tuesday, Oct. 29, in the death of his mother, McDougall. His sister, Nichole McDougall-Mullings, age 55, of Roosevelt, was also charged with two counts of endangering the welfare of an incompetent or physically disabled person. Earlier Report: Son, Daughter's Abuse Led To Death Of Roosevelt Wo…
Election 2024: Poll Worker Threatens Voter, Tussles With Cops On Long Island, Police Say Election 2024: Poll Worker Threatens Voter, Tussles With Cops On Long Island, Police Say
Election 2024: Poll Worker Threatens Voter, Tussles With Cops On Long Island, Police Say An election poll worker is accused of threatening a voter and fighting with police at a polling place on Long Island. The incident happened in Oceanside, at Oaks School #3 on Fortesque Avenue, shortly after 3 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5. Nassau County Police said Mark Sebesta, age 54, of Baldwin, was serving as a poll worker when he got into an argument with a 25-year-old male voter. He is accused of threatening the man. When police arrived and attempted to diffuse the situation, Sebesta falsely claimed to be a law enforcement officer, police said. He reportedly became aggressive and struggled wi…
Update: Trooper Under Criminal Investigation Amid Doubts Over Long Island Shooting Update: Trooper Under Criminal Investigation Amid Doubts Over Long Island Shooting
Update: Trooper Under Criminal Investigation Amid Doubts Over Long Island Shooting A New York State Police trooper who claimed someone shot him on a roadway in the region is now under criminal investigation amid growing doubts over his story. On Long Island, state police “have reason to believe that the incident did not occur the way it was reported” by trooper Thomas Mascia, an agency spokesperson told reporters Wednesday morning, Nov. 6. Police confirmed that the five-year department veteran is now the subject of both a criminal investigation and an internal probe being conducted by state police and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office. Earlier Report: T…
Halloween-Masked Stabber Sought After Random Attack On Central Islip Victim Halloween-Masked Stabber Sought After Random Attack On Central Islip Victim
Halloween-Masked Stabber Sought After Random Attack On Central Islip Victim A suspect is on the loose after a random, Halloween day stabbing attack on Long Island. The incident happened in Central Islip, outside a business on Brightside Avenue near Islip Avenue, shortly after 4 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 31. Suffolk County Police said a man was sitting in the driver’s seat while parked in a lot outside the Hands Across Long Island mental health services building when a man opened his door and stabbed him with a knife. The suspect, who was wearing a Halloween mask, then fled the scene. The victim was taken to a hospital and treated for non-life-threatening injuries. No…
West Babylon Dealer Busted With Enough Fentanyl To Kill 115K People Gets Decade In Prison West Babylon Dealer Busted With Enough Fentanyl To Kill 115K People Gets Decade In Prison
West Babylon Dealer Busted With Enough Fentanyl To Kill 115K People Gets Decade In Prison A prior felon from Long Island will spend a decade behind bars after he was caught with enough fentanyl to kill tens of thousands of people. Joshua Oltchick, age 26, of West Babylon, was sentenced to 10 years in prison in Suffolk County Court on Tuesday, Nov. 5, after pleading guilty to drug possession and related charges. Prosecutors said Suffolk County Police officers found Oltchick slumped over behind the steering wheel of his parked car in West Babylon, near 7th Avenue and 15th Street, on Sept. 16, 2023. The vehicle was facing the wrong direction with its engine still running. A sear…
Trooper Suspended, Stripped Of Gun After 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of LI Shooting Trooper Suspended, Stripped Of Gun After 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of LI Shooting
Trooper Suspended, Stripped Of Gun After 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of LI Shooting A New York State Police trooper who claimed he was shot on a roadway in the region has been sidelined amid doubts about his story. On Long Island, trooper Thomas Mascia, age 27, was suspended without pay and stripped of his agency-issued service weapon, an NYSP spokesperson told Daily Voice. The agency is investigating whether Mascia, of West Hempstead, shot himself in the leg, NBC New York reports. It comes after state police confirmed it was conducting a joint investigation with the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office into what DA Anne Donnelly described as “certain inconsisten…
Armed Robber Tussles With 7-Eleven Employees In Riverhead Armed Robber Tussles With 7-Eleven Employees In Riverhead
Armed Robber Tussles With 7-Eleven Employees In Riverhead A suspect is on the loose following an armed robbery at a Long Island convenience store. The incident happened in Riverhead, at the 7-Eleven store on Old Country Road, at around 1:45 a.m. Monday, Nov. 4. Riverhead Town Police said a masked man approached the counter and requested a pack of cigarettes before demanding that the female clerk open the cash register. When the employee refused, the man jumped over the counter and pulled out what appeared to be a gun covered with a cloth. At that point, a male employee intervened and attempted to subdue the suspect. After a brief struggle, the…
LI Pastor Accused Of Sexually Abusing 22-Year-Old Man LI Pastor Accused Of Sexually Abusing 22-Year-Old Man
LI Pastor Accused Of Sexually Abusing 22-Year-Old Man A Long Island pastor is accused of sexually abusing a man. Thomas Moriarty, age 62, of New Hyde Park, was arrested Thursday, Oct. 31, following an investigation by the Nassau County Police Department’s Special Victims Squad. According to police, Moriarty – who is a pastor at Church of the Holy Spirit in New Hyde Park – sexually abused a 22-year-old man in Oceanside on Saturday, Oct. 26.  The relationship between him and the alleged victim was not immediately clear. Moriarty was arrested on suspicion of forcible touching, and was arraigned at First District Court in Hempstead. Detect…