SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. – Janell Funderburke, a 21-year-old resident of Coram, pleaded guilty to shooting a Suffolk County Police Officer in May 2023
Funderburke faces charges of Attempted Aggravated Murder and Robbery in the First Degree, following his involvement in two separate incidents. The guilty plea was announced by the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office on June 3, 2024.
Funderburke’s plea follows a series of events that began on May 8, 2023, when he arranged to meet two women near his residence on Homestead Drive in Coram. According to court documents, the meeting turned violent when Funderburke threatened the women with a black firearm, stole money from one of them, and fled the scene.
The incident was reported to the police, resulting in Funderburke being wanted for armed robbery.
On May 11, 2023, Officer Michael Lafauci, conducting surveillance in relation to the armed robbery, spotted Funderburke walking on Homestead Drive. Officer Lafauci identified himself as a police officer and ordered Funderburke to stop. Instead, Funderburke fled, and during the pursuit, he turned and fired two shots at Officer Lafauci, striking him in the upper right thigh. Despite being wounded, Officer Lafauci’s quick response and the immediate aid provided by nearby officers were critical in ensuring his survival. He was subsequently transported to Stony Brook University Hospital for emergency surgery.
Following Funderburke’s arrest, a search of his residence yielded a loaded 9mm semiautomatic pistol with an extended magazine, along with quantities of fentanyl and the controlled substance carisoprodol. Ballistic tests confirmed that the firearm recovered was the same weapon used in the shooting of Officer Lafauci.
“This defendant’s heinous actions in shooting an officer, who had clearly identified himself, and then fleeing demonstrate a blatant and egregious disregard for the very fabric of our legal system,” said Suffolk DA Raymond Tierney. “Such acts of violence against those who protect our communities cannot be tolerated and will be met with the full force of justice.”
Funderburke pleaded guilty before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr. He is scheduled to be sentenced to 25 years to life in prison and is due back in court on July 11, 2024.
Photo: Suffolk DA.
