Murder Trial Of Man Accused Of Slaying Stony Brook Nurse Starts: DA

RIVERSIDE, NY — The trial of a man accused of fatally stabbing his ex-girlfriend, a beloved nurse from Stony Brook University Hospital, 25 times has begun in criminal court, District Attormey Ray Tierney's office said.

Sandra McIntosh died in July 2021 at the hospital two hours after finishing her shift, after Wayne Chambers, 51, of Medford, stabbed her, prosecutors told the jury, according to a report in Newsday.

Chambers is charged with second-degree murder in the fatal stabbing of McIntosh, 46, who was a longtime friend that had just ended a six-year romance with him, the outlet reported.

“She returned to that hospital … not as a nurse, but as a patient in dire need of lifesaving aid,” Assistant Suffolk County District Attorney Michelle Chiuchiolo said.

For more in Newsday, click here.

Prosecutors said Chambers used Sandra McIntosh’s white Lexus SUV to pick her up from her job and residents on Woodland Avenue in Holtsville heard McIntosh calling for help and saw Chambers “physically assaulting her in the street next to her car."

Chambers fled, and a resident called 911 to get help for McIntosh, who had been stabbed 25 times, according to prosecutors.

Chambers is believed to have driven to the Bronx, where he abandoned the Lexus, and then fled to Newburgh, prosecutors said, adding that he also turned off his cell phone and got a new cell phone number to evade detection by law enforcement, prosecutors said.

Then District Attorney Tim Sini described the attack as "a brutal, tragic murder that took the life of someone who had dedicated her life to caring for others.

“After allegedly stabbing the victim to death, the defendant took several steps to try to avoid being caught, including dumping the victim’s car, changing his phone number, and attempting to hide out at a motel,” he said. “He was ultimately apprehended thanks to a multi-agency effort, and we will seek justice for the victim.”

Chambers was found at a motel in Newburgh on July 30 and arrested by Homicide Squad detectives and members of the Newburgh Police Department, New York State Police, and U.S. Marshals.

Chambers faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted.