Suffolk County, NY — A West Babylon man accused of dragging a 65-year-old amputee from his car, beating him to death, and stealing the victim’s vehicle now faces a murder charge after a months-long investigation tied him to the brutal December 2024 attack in Deer Park.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced Thursday that 25-year-old Jason Butt-Champagne was indicted on charges including second-degree murder and first-degree robbery in the death of Donald Klune, who died two days after the alleged assault.
Prosecutors say Klune, who had only one leg, was unable to defend himself during the violent robbery on Brook Avenue.
Prosecutors Detail Violent Deer Park Attack
According to the investigation, Klune was sitting inside his parked vehicle around 8:30 p.m. on December 11, 2024, when Butt-Champagne allegedly approached him on Brook Avenue in Deer Park.
Investigators allege Butt-Champagne forcibly pulled Klune from the vehicle before repeatedly kicking and beating him in the roadway. Prosecutors said the suspect then drove away in Klune’s car, leaving the injured victim behind without his phone.
A passerby later discovered Klune lying in the road and called 911.
The 65-year-old was transported to South Shore University Hospital, where he died on December 13, 2024. The Suffolk County Medical Examiner later ruled his death a homicide caused by blunt force injuries.
“This defendant allegedly brutally attacked Donald Klune and left him for dead on the side of the road for nothing more than his car,” District Attorney Tierney said in a statement Thursday. “The Suffolk County Police Department never gave up in our pursuit of justice for Mr. Klune and his loved ones, and my office will continue to do so during this prosecution.”
Key Points
• Suffolk County prosecutors charged Jason Butt-Champagne, 25, with murder and robbery in the death of Donald Klune, 65.
• Investigators allege the suspect beat the Deer Park amputee and stole his vehicle during the December 2024 attack.
• Butt-Champagne faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the top charge.
Investigation Linked Suspect to Stolen Vehicle
Authorities said detectives located Klune’s stolen vehicle on December 12, 2024, in a commercial parking lot during a canvass of the Deer Park area.
While officers secured the vehicle, Butt-Champagne allegedly appeared nearby and was struck by a vehicle on Commack Road, according to prosecutors. Responding officers reportedly found car keys near him that investigators later confirmed belonged to Klune.
The case remained under investigation for several months before Butt-Champagne’s arrest on May 11, 2026.
On Thursday, Acting Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis arraigned Butt-Champagne on a five-count indictment that includes:
- Murder in the Second Degree
- Robbery in the First Degree
- Robbery in the Second Degree
- Assault in the Second Degree
- Criminal Possession of Stolen Property in the Fifth Degree
Justice Wilutis ordered the defendant held without release while the case proceeds.
Defendant Faces Life Sentence if Convicted
Prosecutors said Butt-Champagne faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted on the top count of second-degree murder.
He is scheduled to return to court on June 24, 2026. Court records show he is represented by defense attorney Andrew Karpf.
The prosecution is being handled by Assistant District Attorney Dena Rizopoulos of the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Homicide Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Keri Wasson of the Major Crime Bureau. Detective Stephen Masciopinto of the Suffolk County Police Department Homicide Squad led the investigation.
