A North Carolina woman was indicted for allegedly shooting a man in the head during a burglary in his home, causing his death.
In the early afternoon hours of October 20, 2024, Dynasty Sanders allegedly broke into the victim’s Holtsville home, pointed a gun at Stephen McCoy and his wife, and demanded money. During a struggle, McCoy was overpowered, and Sanders allegedly shot him in the face for not complying with her demands. Sanders then allegedly pointed the gun at the victim’s wife, but she was able to run outside to safety. The defendant then allegedly fled in her vehicle and drove back to North Carolina.
The victim was rushed to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of his serious injuries, which included a traumatic brain injury and extensive blood loss.
The Suffolk County Police Department’s Fugitive Squad apprehended Sanders in North Carolina and extradited her back to New York. On August 22, 2025, Sanders was arraigned on an indictment for Attempted Murder before Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis and remanded without bail.
After over a year of multiple surgeries and treatments, McCoy, 52, ultimately succumbed to his injuries and passed away on January 24, 2026. An autopsy concluded the cause of death was complications from the gunshot wound to his head.
On April 7, 2026, Sanders, 21, was arraigned on the superseding indictment before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei for the following charges:
- Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony
- Burglary in the First Degree, a Class B felony
- Criminal Use of a Firearm in the First Degree, a Class B felony
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C felony
“After allegedly forcing her way into the victim’s home and shooting him in the head, the victim was left to endure countless surgeries and unimaginable pain before he ultimately lost his life,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “My office will ensure this defendant is held accountable for the suffering she allegedly caused.”
Mazzei ordered Sanders remanded without bail during the pendency of the case. Sanders is due back in court on April 28, 2026, and faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the top count.