Year in Review: 5 Big Smithtown Crime Stories In 2024

SMITHTOWN, NY — Each week, Smithtown Patch reports on the crimes that take place in the community, from the mundane all the way up to the most severe. Here is a look back at five of the biggest crime stories of 2024.

LI Man Indicted After Killing Ex-Wife, Her Boyfriend: Suffolk DA

Daniel Coppola was indicted on four counts of first-degree murder after prosecutors said he fatally shot his ex-wife and her boyfriend in their St. James home on Aug. 28, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said Friday. Read more.

Man Faces Attempted Murder Charge In Suffolk Pizzeria Stabbing: DA

A man faces a second-degree attempted murder charge after he stabbed his co-worker while on the job at a Nesconset pizzeria, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said Friday. Read more.

Smithtown Man Admits To $1M Coronavirus Fraud: Feds

A Smithtown man pleaded guilty to wire fraud after he fraudulently received approximately $1.1 million in small business disaster relief loans during the coronavirus pandemic, the United States Department of Justice announced Thursday. Read more.

Former St. James Adult Home Manager Admits To Stealing Residents' Money: DA

The former facility manager of Eden II in St. James admitted to stealing funds from the ATM cards of six residents who entrusted her with their cards for petty cash purposes, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced Monday. Read more.

LI Man Pleads Guilty To Woman's Fatal Overdose; Nearly Causing Infant's Death: DA

A Miller Place man admitted to selling fentanyl that caused a woman to fatally overdose, as well as to his co-defendant, whose son suffered serious physical injuries from fentanyl poisoning in January 2024, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced Friday. Read more.