Mastic Man Indicted In Connection With Slaying On Reservation: DA

RIVERSIDE, NY — A Mastic man faces upgraded charges in an indictment handed down in connection with the shooting death of man on the Poospatuck Indian Reservation earlier this month, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said.

James Brown, 43, was indicted for second-degree murder and criminal possession of a firearm for shooting his longtime friend, Umar Elquhir, multiple times, causing his death, Tierney's office said.

"Wanton violence such as this will not be tolerated in Suffolk County,” he said.

Tierney commended Suffolk police "for their great work on this investigation.”

On Nov. 7, 2023, multiple 911 calls were placed reporting that a man was on the ground and possibly shot in the Poospatuck Reservation, and once officers arrived at the scene, they saw the Elquhir unresponsive and laying on the ground outside of a house where Brown lives, prosecutors said.

Elquhir had sustained multiple gunshot wounds and was taken to Long Island Community Hospital in East Patchogue where he was pronounced dead, according to prosecutors.

Video surveillance from a store across the street from Brown’s home allegedly shows Brown and
Elquhir in a brief physical altercation earlier in the evening, prosecutors said, adding that Elquhir left but returned around two hours later and parked outside of Brown’s home.

Brown then left his home, walked toward the Elquhir’s car, and fired about nine shots at the him through the rear passenger window, and once he was done, Elquhir opened the driver’s door
and collapsed onto the ground, prosecutors said.

Brown was arrested Nov. 20.

Judge Collins ordered Brown be held on $500,000 cash, $5 million bond or $5 million partially
secured bond. He is due back in court Jan. 25.

Patch has reached out to his attorney Steven Politi for comment.