Suffolk County Man Pleads Guilty to Attempted Aggravated Murder of Police Officer

by
June 3, 2024

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY—Janell Funderburke, a 21-year-old resident of Coram, has pleaded guilty to charges of Attempted Aggravated Murder and Robbery in the First Degree. These charges stem from incidents in May 2023, including the shooting of a Suffolk County Police Officer.

District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney emphasized the gravity of the crimes, highlighting the disregard for the legal system shown by Funderburke’s actions. The incidents began on May 8, 2023, when Funderburke met with two women near his residence and escalated to armed robbery.

On May 11, 2023, Officer Michael Lafauci was shot while attempting to apprehend Funderburke during a surveillance operation related to the robbery. Despite identifying himself, Funderburke fired at Officer Lafauci, striking him in the thigh and necessitating emergency surgery.

A subsequent search of Funderburke’s home uncovered a loaded 9mm pistol, drugs, and linked the firearm to the shooting. On June 3, 2024, Funderburke entered his guilty plea before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr., facing a sentence of 25 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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