Shirley Man Pleads Guilty to Second-Degree Murder in 2020 Bay Shore Killing

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April 13, 2024
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SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced today that 24-year-old Peter Pendzinski of Shirley has pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and related charges in the 2020 shooting death of 21-year-old Nathanael Rodriguez of Bay Shore.

On December 26, 2020, Pendzinski fatally shot Rodriguez five times in the head and neck during a late-night drive. After the shooting, he attempted to cover up the crime by setting the victim’s body on fire in his backyard. The scheme was disrupted by Suffolk County police responding to a 911 call about excessive smoke from Pendzinski’s property.

Authorities arrested Pendzinski after they found him trying to conceal the victim’s burning body. Investigators later recovered a Smith and Wesson handgun, a can of gasoline, and other evidence linking him to the crime. Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro presided over the plea, with Pendzinski admitting to the charges. He is scheduled for sentencing on May 17, 2024, and faces 18 years to life in prison.

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital news organization covering New Jersey, national politics, public policy, public safety, and community affairs. With years of experience reporting on local government, elections, law enforcement, and issues impacting residents throughout New Jersey, Stilton has built a reputation for delivering timely news, in-depth reporting, and accountability journalism.

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