Man Sentenced In Attempted Murder Of Suffolk Police Officer: DA

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A Coram man was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after he shot a Suffolk County police officer in May 2023 following a robbery, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced Thursday.

Ja'nell Funderburke, 20, of Coram, pleaded guilty in June to attempted aggravated murder and first-degree robbery, arising out of two separate incidents, Tierney said.

On May 8, 2023, Funderburke arranged to meet two women near his home on Homestead Drive in Coram, according to court documents. An argument escalated to Funderburke pointing a black firearm at them, investigators said. He then threatened to shoot one of the women and stole her money, authorities said.

The women reported the incident to police, and Funderburke was wanted in connection with the gunpoint robbery, prosecutors said.

At 12:45 p.m. May 11, 2023, Suffolk County police officer Michael Lafauci was conducting surveillance in Coram in relation to the armed robbery investigation from a few days earlier when Funderburke was seen walking southbound on Homestead Drive, officials said.

Lafauci pulled behind Funderburke, exited his unmarked police vehicle and identified himself as a police officer, investigators said. Funderburke began to run away, the DA said. Lafauci ran after Funderburke on foot and ordered him to show his hands, authorities said. Funderburke refused to comply with the orders. As he continued to run, Funderburke turned back towards Lafauci, extended a black firearm with his right hand, and fired twice, prosecutors said.

Lafauci was struck in his upper right thigh by one of the bullets and fell to the ground as Funderburke continued to run off towards his home, the DA said.

Nearby members of the Suffolk County Police Department immediately administered emergency aid to Lafauci. He was rushed to Stony Brook University Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.

Funderburke was arrested, and a search warrant was executed against Funderburke’s home, where a loaded 9 mm semiautomatic pistol with an extended magazine, fentanyl, and the controlled substance carisoprodol were recovered, the DA said.

An examination found the pistol found at Funderburke's home was the same gun used to shoot Lafauci, investigators said.

"This sentence reflects the gravity of the defendant's actions," Tierney said in a news release. "While we are thankful Officer Lafauci survived, this case is a reminder of the dangers and risks members of law enforcement face daily. In Suffolk County, we appreciate and support our law enforcement officers. If you seek to injure a police officer while in the performance of his or her duties, we will pursue you with the full force of the law."

Funderburke was represented by Christopher Cassar.

Funderburke was raised by his mother, Cassar told Patch.

"His father was not a positive role model and is presently incarcerated," Cassar said. "As the sentencing judge indicated, Ja’nell was in and out of programs and family court as a young boy. Thus, there were red flag signs that Ja’nell needed help with his mental health issues. The courts and the schools failed him. Ja’nell has expressed his sorrow for his actions in shooting Police Officer Lafauci and has accepted responsibility for his criminal acts. As the sentencing judge indicated, the judge would have sentenced Ja’nell to more than 25 years to life if Ja’nell was found guilty after trial. Prior to accepting the plea agreement, Ja’nell was exposed to consecutive jail time for the attempted murder charge and the robbery charge. While in jail, Ja’nell would like to participate in programs to deter young people from a life of crime. He would like to be a positive influence to others. Finally, Ja’nell is thankful that Police Officer Lafauci was not killed during this shooting and prays that one day Police Officer Lafauci can forgive him."