(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad detectives are investigating an incident during which one man was killed and another injured in a stabbing in West Babylon on Friday, March 25.

Two vehicles were traveling southwest on Straight Path when an altercation ensued. Both groups got out of the vehicles and two men were stabbed during a dispute at approximately 9:20 a.m.

Suffolk County Police are investigating an incident during which one man was killed and another injured in West Babylon on Friday, March 25. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The two men were transported by members of the West Babylon Fire Department to an area hospital where Nyquan Banister, 22, of North Babylon, was pronounced dead. The other victim, a 21-year-old North Babylon man, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.

The suspect’s vehicle was described as a white SUV with out-of-state license plates. The investigation is continuing. Homicide Squad detectives are asking anyone with information on the stabbing to call 631-852-6394 or call anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

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UPDATE: Detectives report that the missing person has been located.

Below is the original release.

(Long Island, NY) The Missing Person Squad is investigating a missing that occurred on Friday March 4, 2016 at 6:00 p.m. in Uniondale.

According to detectives, Jonathan M. Moore, 23, of Uniondale was last seen at his Waypark Avenue home at the above listed time and date.

Nassau County Police looking for Jonathan M. Moore, 23, a missing Uniondale man. Photo Credit: NCPD.

A possible destination for the missing is New York City.

Detectives ask anyone with information about this individual to contact the Missing Persons Squad at 516-573-7347. All callers will remain anonymous.

19 Organizations to Split $160,000 for Veterans’ Services

(Long Island, NY) Suffolk County officials announced Thursday, March 24 the names of organizations that have been chosen to receive funds from the proceeds of the first annual Suffolk County Marathon.

Nineteen organizations received awards ranging from $2,500 to $23,600 from the nearly $160,000 net proceeds from the Sept. 13, 2015 race.  Recipients were chosen by the Suffolk County Marathon Fund Disbursement Advisory Committee, which assessed the needs of Suffolk County’s veteran population, established criteria for awarding funds to charitable registered 501(c)(3) organizations providing services to local Suffolk County veterans, and established  priorities and develop a list of goals and objectives in order to rank applications.

“With these awards, we can provide the services that our veterans need when they return home from service,” Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone said. “Through a broad range of services, these organizations take a variety of approaches to help veterans adjust and return to their civilian lives. I am proud of the success of the first marathon, and the fact that we’re able to strengthen services delivered to veterans.”

Legislator Steve Stern, who announced the awards, said, “As Chairman of the Veterans Committee of the Suffolk County Legislature, I have the privilege of working with and for the brave men and women who have served our great nation and their families.  I am honored to participate in today’s event, distributing the proceeds of Suffolk County’s first marathon to  local veterans organizations to fulfill our responsibility to ensure that we provide not just our thanks, but meaningful support to those who have sacrificed so much for us all. I look forward to this year’s marathon, which I am sure will be an even  greater success and thank County Executive Steve  Bellone, Veterans Services Agency Director Tom Ronayne and members of the Suffolk County Veterans Grant Committee for their hard work in making this event such a resounding success.”

The Catholic Health Services Second Annual Marathon will be run on Oct. 30, with a full marathon, a half marathon and a newly added 5k. Net proceeds will again go to benefit local veterans’ services. The race will be followed by the Freedom Fest, which will feature local produced foods, award-winning wines and beers, and live entertainment.

The 19 organizations and their awards and services are:

• Missing in America Veterans Recovery Program, $2,500, Burial services for unclaimed veterans;
• United Veterans Beacon House, $9,800, “Unmet Needs” program; assisting veterans and their families with services including, but not limited to: financial management, sustainability, food stuffs, bedding, transportation services, assistance with completing financial assistance applications
• Paws of War, Inc.,  $7,900, providing service dogs to disabled veterans in need
• America’s VetDogs, $9,800 providing service / therapy dogs for veterans suffering from PTSD
• Long Island Blue Star Moms NY , $2,000, for   supply / care packages for active duty service members overseas as well as toiletries for veterans in homes
• Honor Flight Long Island, $5,900  to provide group trips to Washington, D.C., to visit national memorial
• Make it Count Foundation, $23,600, home renovations / necessary modifications for disabled veterans in need; working in conjunction with Northport VA
• 9-1-1 Veterans $23,600, Provide emergency financial relief to veterans in need, such as mortgage payment or home heating oil costs)
• Pal-O-Mine Equestrian, Inc., $5,500    Animal / equine therapy sessions and psychotherapy program for veterans suffering from PTSD
• Korean War Veterans of Central LI, Inc., $3,000, Veteran events: Holiday Party and Gold Star Mother Event
• Retired Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), $6,000 free computers and computer programs to veterans & veterans organizations
• Touro College Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center, $9,700, free legal services program for veterans
• General Needs Ltd.,     $12,300, provides “basic needs” items for veterans, such as beds, clothing, toiletries, cookware, etc. ; working with the VA and United Way
• Disabled American Veterans of NY Services Corps, $5,300 funds for vehicle purchase to provide free transportation service for disabled veterans
• St. Joseph’s College Long Island, $6,900, Job training program for veterans
• Project 9Line, Inc., $13,500, Focused on using the arts as a method of therapy for PTSD and other mental ailments.
• American Legion Babylon Post 94, $4,600 , Excursions (fishing trips), special events, and site visits for veterans housed at Northport VA and Stony Brook
• Suffolk Community College Foundation,  $3,700, Veteran suicide prevention program and suicide intervention/ awareness training program
• Suffolk County American Legion, PTSD Committee, $4,000, Peer-to-peer PTSD counseling program at 20 Suffolk County American Legion locations

(Long Island, NY) The Homicide Squad reports the details of a fatal vehicular accident that occurred at 4:55am on Friday, March 25, 2016 in Glenwood Landing.

According to Detectives, a 2011 Volkswagen Tiguan was travelling northbound on Shore Road and began to slide across both the northbound and southbound lanes. The vehicle struck a utility pole and came to a stop facing southbound with part of the pole on the hood of the vehicle.

Nassau County Police reports the details of a fatal vehicular accident that occurred on Friday, March 25 in Glenwood Landing. Photo Credit: Chris Boyle.

The driver of the vehicle, Quentin Capobianco, 19, of Glen Head was pronounced on scene at 5:13am by a Nassau County Police Medic Supervisor.

The twenty-year old female passenger of the vehicle was transported by Glenwood Fire Department Ambulance to a local hospital for treatment and evaluation of non-life threatening injuries.

The vehicle was impounded for a brake and safety inspection. The investigation is ongoing at this time.

(Long Island, NY) The Major Case Bureau reports the details of an arrest for Criminal Possession of Marijuana that occurred on Thursday, March 24, 2016 at 10:00 pm in Bellmore.

Detectives from the Special Investigations Squad were investigating a prior robbery at a residence on Russell Street. A consent search of the home recovered a large quantity of marijuana and a loaded .25 caliber semi-automatic handgun. Defendant Curtis Bishop, 28, of Bellmore claimed ownership for the above and was placed under arrest without incident.

Nassau County Police reports the arrest of Curtis Bishop, 28, of Bellmore for Criminal Possession of Marijuana that occurred on Thursday, March 24 in Bellmore. Photo Credit: NCPD.

Defendant Bishop is being charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana 4th Degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd Degree. He will be arraigned on Friday, March 25, 2016 at First District Court, Hempstead.

The fact that a defendant has been charged with a crime is merely an accusation and the defendant is presumed innocent unless proven guilty. Defendants are entitled to a fair trial with the burden on the prosecution to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.

(Long Island, NY) A Huntington Station man who was found guilty of Attempted Murder of a Police Officer will be sentenced, in Riverhead on Monday March 28^th, Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota said.

Officer Mark Collins, a decorated 13-year veteran, was shot after he and other officers stopped a car Sheldon Leftenant was in just before midnight on March 12, 2015.  After being ordered from the vehicle Leftenant ran and Officer Collins caught up with the suspect and deployed his Taser twice, forcing Leftenant down in a driveway on Mercer Court in Huntington Station. While struggling with the defendant trying to handcuff him, Officer Collins was shot twice, once in the neck and once in the hip.

Monday (March 28th) – State Supreme Court Justice John Collins (no relation to the injured officer) in County Court, Riverhead will call the court calendar at 9:30 am., sentencing will take place after 10:00 am.

(Long Island, NY) In recognition of April as Child Abuse Prevention Month, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley announced a series of events in April to raise awareness of child abuse, honor survivors, and help victims through the Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County.

Among the events planned is the 3^rd annual Ginormous Climb to raise funds for the CAC on April 2.  Volunteers from Conley’s office, Boston Police, and other organizations will climb the 60-story stairwell of 200 Clarendon, formerly the John Hancock Tower.  Last year’s climb raised more than $100,000, far exceeding the event’s $75,000 goal.  This year, Conley hopes to top that amount again.

To learn more about the Ginormous Climb, including how to take part, visit http://climbforkids.suffolkcac.org/default.asp.

The money raised will support the Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County, which acts as a hub connecting children who have been abused, neglected, or exploited and their non-offending caregivers with a myriad of services in a child-centered environment.  This allows victims to meet with police, prosecutors, medical and mental health clinicians, social service providers, and others at one location, reducing the number of times a victim must disclose the abuse and limiting the number of agencies he or she must visit for services.  Last year alone, more than 1,500 reports of child physical and sexual abuse were referred to the center.

To learn more about the Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County, visit www.SuffolkCAC.org.

Also in April, photos from the groundbreaking exhibit “Now You See: A Celebration of Courageous Kids” will be displayed in locations throughout Suffolk County, with local officials and dignitaries posing with the images as part of a social media awareness campaign.  Each of the images in the nationally recognized “Now You See” series – created by Jacqueline Lamont, Conley’s chief of youth safety and outreach and a forensic interviewer with the office’s Child Protection Unit – depicts the eyes of an abuse survivor accompanied by his or her own words of support and encouragement for other victims.  Officials including Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh, Police Commissioner William B. Evans, U.S. Attorney Carmen Ortiz, and representatives of such agencies as international law firm DLA Piper, Massachusetts General Hospital, and 103.3 AMP Radio – a sponsor of the Ginormous Climb – will each display an image from the “Now You See” series and pose with that image in a photo.  The photos will be posted on social media throughout the month as part of a campaign using the hashtag #nowyousee.

To learn more about “Now You See,” visit http://www.suffolkdistrictattorney.com/now-you-see/.

Suffolk prosecutors and advocates will be joined by Boston Mayor Martin J. Walsh as they honor approximately a dozen abuse survivors and their families at an April 12 Bravery Ceremony, recognizing child victims and adult survivors for their courage and resilience in disclosing abuse and helping to hold offenders accountable.

“Due to the nature of child abuse cases, the public is largely unaware of the trauma these children endure or the courage they hold through it all.  Events like these allow us not only to highlight the strength and resilience of survivors, but also to continue our efforts to protect vulnerable children and achieve justice on their behalf,” Conley said.

(Long Island, NY) A Chelsea man has been sentenced to prison after he was convicted today of attacking a bouncer with a machete in 2014, Suffolk County District Attorney Daniel F. Conley said.

A Suffolk Superior Court jury deliberated for one day before convicting JOSE DAVID BENITEZ (D.O.B. 11/29/88) this morning of mayhem and aggravated assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.  Judge Elizabeth Fahey sentenced Benitez to 10 to 12 years in prison and a consecutive probationary term of 20 years.  Assistant District Attorney Montez Haywood of the DA’s Senior Trial Unit had recommended a term of 14 to 15 years in prison followed by five years of probation.

Haywood presented evidence and testimony to prove that on the night of Nov. 23, 2014, Benitez attempted to enter El-Corral bar in Chelsea at approximately 11:30 p.m. but was denied entrance by a bouncer.  Surveillance video captured Benitez as he began to walk away but then pull a machete from his pants and charge at the bouncer.  The victim raised his left arm to protect himself and was struck by the machete just below the wrist.  He was able to dive into the bar and close the door behind him.

“The victim’s hand was nearly severed,” Conley said. “But had he not raised his arm to protect himself, his injuries could have been much worse – and possibly fatal.”

Through the course of their investigation, Chelsea Police spoke with people known to Benitez who each identified him as the assailant in surveillance images capturing the attack.

Police learned that Benitez had arranged to pick up his final paycheck from his employer on Dec. 3, 2014, before taking what he told his employer would be a leave of absence.  Officers were prepared to arrest him at his Boston workplace on that date, but Benitez never appeared.  He fled to Loudoun County, Virginia, where he was arrested by U.S. Marshals less than two weeks later on Dec. 14.

Jennifer Sears and Alyssa Nelson-Kamalu were the DA’s assigned victim-witness advocates. Benitez was represented by David Grimaldi.

Award-Winning Comedy Features Cops, Crooks and a Cheap Motel

(Long Island, NY) “Unnecessary Farce,” a critically acclaimed screwball comedy that has been performed on stages from Syracuse to Singapore, is coming to Farmingdale State College for three nights: March 31 – April 2, in the Little Theater at Roosevelt Hall.

All shows, mounted by the college’s Backstage Theater Company, begin at 8 p.m. Tickets are $10 and must be purchased in advance, HERE. Admission is free for Farmingdale students with a valid ID.

Brooklyn playwright/actor Paul Slade Smith, on the play’s website, describes the plot this way: “In an economy motel room, an embezzling mayor is supposed to meet with his female accountant. In the room next door, two undercover cops are supposed to catch the meeting on videotape. But there’s some confusion as to who’s in which room, who’s watching the video, who’s taken the money, who’s hired a hit man, and why the accountant keeps taking off her clothes.”

“Unnecessary Farce,” winner of nine regional theater awards, has received rave reviews across the country.  The Boston Globe said it had an “unrelentingly funny plot,” and the theater critic for the Post-Standard in upstate Syracuse said it was “The funniest two hours of theater I have seen in several years.”

The Backstage Theater Company is a student-run performing arts club on the Farmingdale campus.

Farmingdale State College prepares students with the education, skills, and critical thinking needed to meet tomorrow’s challenges. As the largest of SUNY’s colleges of technology (with almost 8,700 students), FSC equips students with the resources and knowledge sought by today’s emerging industries. Offering bachelor and associate degrees, FSC will soon offer its first graduate program.  At FSC, students learn in small, personalized classes and have abundant opportunities for applied learning—internships, clinical training, and guided research—that provide practical instruction and personal growth. Located an hour east of Manhattan, the campus offers residential halls, a lush 380-acre campus undergoing major renovation, and a highly successful NCAA Division III athletics program with modern facilities to make FSC one of the fastest-growing colleges in the region. In addition, in 2015, 2014 and 2013, FSC was listed one of the best colleges in the North and in 2013 FSC was the only SUNY school (and the only LI school) listed in the LEAST debt category in the section titled Student Debt Load at Graduation for regional colleges in the north. In 2015 UniversityPrimeTime.com again listed FSC the fifth safest college in the nation. Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/farmingdale.