Brentwood NY
7-19-2025 10:49pm

16 Years To Life In Shooting Of Married Long Island Couple's Home

BRENTWOOD, NY — A Suffolk County man has been sentenced to 16 years to life in prison for opening fire on a Long Island couple’s home in a terrifying act of gun violence that prosecutors say could have ended in tragedy.

The shooter, identified as 32-year-old Luis “Trigger” Mendez of Central Islip, was convicted earlier this year of attempted murder, criminal possession of a weapon, and reckless endangerment following a 2022 drive-by shooting that left a Brentwood neighborhood shaken.

According to court testimony, Mendez fired multiple rounds into the home of a married couple around 2 a.m., shattering windows and riddling the siding with bullets. Miraculously, no one inside was injured — but the couple, who had been sleeping just feet from where bullets entered, say the psychological scars remain.

“We woke up to glass exploding and bullets flying through our bedroom wall,” the wife said during the sentencing hearing. “We’re lucky to be alive.”

Prosecutors argued that the shooting was a targeted act, possibly gang-related, though the motive remains unclear. Mendez was arrested after an extensive investigation that included surveillance footage, forensic ballistics, and witness statements tying him to the weapon used.

At sentencing, Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice Lisa McKenna described Mendez’s actions as “reckless and malicious,” adding that “the community deserves to feel safe in their homes without fear of random gunfire.”

Mendez, who maintained his innocence throughout the trial, showed little emotion as the sentence was read. He will be eligible for parole after serving 16 years but could remain behind bars for life.

The victims say they hope the sentence brings closure, though the fear of that night still lingers.

“We’ll never forget what happened,” the husband said. “But we’re grateful justice was served.”

This is a developing story. Stay with Long Island Daily News for updates on local crime and community safety.

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