Man receives 25-year sentence for stabbing funeral home owner in Long Island.

A Long Island man with an extensive criminal background was sentenced on Wednesday to 25 years in prison following his conviction for a violent robbery and assault involving the owner of a funeral home in Amityville. Jason Funderburke, 39, from Hempstead, was found guilty of the charges stemming from an incident that occurred nearly two years ago.

The Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office reported that the crime took place on the morning of August 29, 2021. Funderburke, accompanied by an accomplice, approached the victim outside his business on the South Shore of Long Island. They allegedly displayed a photo of the victim’s family and demanded money at knifepoint. When the victim refused their demands, Funderburke and his accomplice attacked him, resulting in two stab wounds before fleeing the scene with the victim’s wallet and mobile devices.

Emergency services transported the victim to Good Samaritan University Hospital, where he received treatment for his injuries, including stab wounds and internal bleeding. His recovery journey starkly underscores the consequences of violent crime in the community.

In March 2023, following deliberations, a Suffolk County jury convicted Funderburke on charges of first-degree robbery and related offenses. The trial, which focused on the violent nature of the crime, highlighted the terrors faced by individuals in their own neighborhoods and the lengthy legal proceedings that follow such incidents.

During the sentencing hearing, Judge Timothy P. Mazzei imposed a 25-year prison term on Funderburke, aiming to ensure community safety by keeping a repeat offender incarcerated. The District Attorney, Raymond Tierney, emphasized the significance of this lengthy sentence, suggesting it not only penalizes Funderburke but also acts as a protective measure for the residents of Long Island. Tierney noted that this case involved defendants with multiple prior convictions, reinforcing a pressing concern regarding recidivism.

Before this latest conviction, Funderburke’s legal history included several felonies, with previous charges dating back to 2004, involving robbery, drug possession, and drug sales. His pattern of criminal behavior presents a challenging issue for law enforcement and the justice system, highlighting the necessity for continued efforts to address criminal activity within the region.

As Long Island residents reflect on the implications of this case, it serves as a reminder of the persistent challenges posed by violent crimes and the judicial system’s role in mitigating such threats to public safety.