By Kayleigh Anderson
A Coram man was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for attempting to murder a Suffolk County police officer last year.
On May 8, 2023, Janell Funderburke arranged to meet two women in the vicinity of his residence on Homestead Drive in Coram. After meeting them, an argument ensued and then escalated to Funderburke pointing a black firearm at them. He then threatened to shoot one of the women and stole her money. The women reported the incident to police, and Funderburke was wanted in connection with the gunpoint robbery.
On May 11, 2023, at 12:45 p.m., Suffolk County Police Officer Michael Lafauci was conducting surveillance in Coram in relation to the armed robbery investigation when Funderburke was observed walking southbound on Homestead Drive. Lafauci pulled behind Funderburke, exited his unmarked police vehicle and identified himself as a police officer, at which point Funderburke began to flee. Lafauci ran after the Funderburke on foot and ordered Funderburke to show his hands. 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. Lafauci was struck in his upper right thigh and fell to the ground as Funderburke continued to run towards his residence. Nearby members of the Suffolk County Police Department immediately administered emergency aid to Lafauci. He was subsequently rushed to Stony Brook University Hospital where he underwent emergency surgery.
Police searched Funderburke’s residence and recovered a loaded 9mm semiautomatic pistol with an extended magazine, a quantity of fentanyl, and a quantity of the controlled substance carisoprodol. An examination of the pistol recovered from Funderburke’s residence revealed the pistol was the same one used to shoot Lafauci.
On June 3, 2024, Funderburke pleaded guilty before Acting Supreme Court Justice Anthony S. Senft, Jr. to attempted aggravated murder, a Class A-1 felony, and first-degree robbery, a Class B violent felony. On July 11, 2024, Senft sentenced Funderburke to 25 years to life in prison.
“This sentence reflects the gravity of the defendant’s actions” said Suffolk County District Attorney Tierney. “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.”
Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine praised today’s sentencing.
“Justice has been served today as Suffolk County DA Ray Tierney has announced a 25-years-to life sentence for Janelle Funderburke for his attempt on the life of a Suffolk County police officer as well as armed robbery,” he said. “If you commit crimes in Suffolk County, you will be arrested and prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law. My administration will continue to support all of Suffolk County’s law enforcement agencies and work together daily to make Suffolk County a safer place to live.”