Two men were sentenced for their roles in a fatal shooting during an attempted burglary that was a case of mistaken identity.
On November 2, 2022 at approximately 6:36 a.m., Christopher Fernandez and Oliver Schor, both armed with guns, descended upon the Bohemia home of Michael Hartmann, 49. Fernandez mistakenly believed that a cellphone that had allegedly been stolen from him was pinging from the victim’s residence. Fernandez and Schor attempted to enter the residence through the back door when they encountered the victim.
One of the defendants opened fire and shot Hartmann multiple times before both defendants fled. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation showed that Fernandez and Schor went to the wrong location in a case of mistaken identity.
Shortly before the murder, Fernandez stole a ski mask, gloves, and a hat from a gas station in Manorville.
On March 6, 2026, Fernandez was convicted of the following charges after a jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski
- Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony
- Attempted Burglary in the First Degree, a Class B felony
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C felony
- Criminal Use of a Firearm in the Second Degree, a Class C felony
- Petit Larceny, a Class A misdemeanor
Fernandez, 29, of Sound Beach, was sentenced on August 6 to 25 years to life in prison.
On March 18, 2026, Schor, 24, of Miller Place, pleaded guilty before Pilewski to Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony, for his role in the murder. He was sentenced today to 22 years to life in prison.
“While nothing can bring Michael Hartmann back or fill the void left for his wife and children by this devastating murder, the prison sentences handed down today for Christopher Fernandez and Oliver Schor ensure that both defendants are held fully accountable,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “Mr. Hartmann did nothing wrong — he was shot at his own home — and his family deserved nothing less than justice.”