Coram man sentenced to 25 years to life for trying to kill Suffolk police officer

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Janell Funderburke, of Coram, was sentenced to 25 years to life for the attempted murder of Suffolk County Police Officer Michael LaFauci. The shooting happened last year in Coram. Officer LaFauci spoke at the sentencing. “I was just trying to do my job, but you were trying to kill me," he said. The judge called the defendant an “absolute menace to society.” He said if not for the agreement between prosecutors and the defense, he would’ve sentenced him to more time. Trauma surgeon Dr. James Vosswinkel said of Officer LaFauci: “...that he is not dead is a miracle.” LaFauci, referring to the day he was shot, said, “It was almost my last time seeing my family because you thought getting away from law enforcement was more important than my life.” Funderburke apologized for his actions and said he was “truly sorry.” A woman speaking on behalf of Funderburke's mother said that Funderburke has schizophrenia and an opioid addiction. Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine released a statement, saying, “Justice has been served today as Suffolk County DA Ray Tierney has announced a 25-years-to-life sentence for Janell Funderburke for his attempt on the life of a Suffolk County police officer as well as armed robbery. 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.” "