The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office and Suffolk County Police Department have released details on several recent criminal incidents. This week’s police blotter includes the indictment of three men for a brazen daylight kidnapping and murder in Farmingdale, an attempted bank robbery in West Babylon, a fatal hit-and-run in Brentwood, and a death investigation in Wyandanch. Here are the key details of each case:
Three Men Indicted for Daylight Kidnapping and Murder in Farmingdale
Gustavo Hernandez, 38, and his nephews, Walter Ramirez Jeronimo, 19, and Wilson Ramirez Jeronimo, 18, have been indicted for the kidnapping and murder of Juan Carlos Diaz Jeronimo, 48, of Amityville. According to Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney, the victim was abducted in broad daylight on June 21, 2024, while walking on Broadhollow Road in Farmingdale.
The defendants, driving a blue Isuzu Rodeo, allegedly exited the vehicle, attacked the victim, and attempted to drag him toward the Isuzu. A passing motorist thwarted their initial efforts, allowing the victim to escape to a gas station across the street. The suspects then followed the victim to the gas station, where surveillance footage allegedly showed them covering their faces, beating the victim, choking him, and violently forcing him into the trunk of the SUV.
The defendants allegedly drove the victim to Belmont Lake State Park before returning to Farmingdale, where they dumped his body on a residential street. The Medical Examiner’s office reported that the victim suffered from asphyxia due to neck compression, severe blunt force trauma to the abdomen, and a stab wound to the chest.
The trio has been indicted on two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, one count of Kidnapping in the First Degree, and one count of Attempted Kidnapping in the Second Degree. Each defendant faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in prison for the murder and kidnapping charges and 15 years for attempted kidnapping. All three were arraigned on August 1, 2024, and remanded without bail. They are scheduled to return to court on September 10, 2024.
Masked Man Attempts Bank Robbery in West Babylon, Flees Empty-Handed
Suffolk County Police are investigating a bank robbery that occurred at the Chase Bank located at 595 Sunrise Highway in West Babylon. On August 2, 2024, at approximately 3:55 p.m., a masked man entered the bank and handed the teller a note demanding cash. The suspect fled the scene on foot without any proceeds. Authorities are urging anyone with information to contact the Major Case Unit at 631-852-6555 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
Brentwood Driver Arrested for Fatal Hit-and-Run Involving Motorcyclist
Manuel Gomez, 46, was arrested for fleeing the scene of a hit-and-run crash that killed motorcyclist Eloy Khammach La Cruz Andres on July 29, 2024. The incident occurred on Wicks Road near Bradley Street in Brentwood when Gomez, driving a 2008 Ford Explorer, made a left turn in front of the northbound motorcyclist. The collision caused the motorcycle to catch fire, and Khammach La Cruz Andres was pronounced dead at South Shore University Hospital.
Gomez, charged with Leaving the Scene of an Incident Involving a Fatality, is being held overnight at the Third Precinct and will be arraigned on August 3, 2024, at First District Court in Central Islip.
Wyandanch Death Investigation After Naked Man’s Rampage
Suffolk County Police are investigating the death of a man in Wyandanch on August 1, 2024. Officers responded to a 911 call reporting a possibly intoxicated man lying on Merritt Avenue. Upon arrival, the man, naked from the waist down, was banging on a business window and acting irrationally. After subduing and handcuffing him, the man became unresponsive. Despite CPR efforts, he was pronounced dead at Good Samaritan University Hospital. The investigation is ongoing, and the New York State Attorney General’s Office has been notified.
Photos: SCDA.
