Mastic Man Found Guilty of Choking 8‑Month‑Old Infant, Faces Up to 25 Years in Prison

By Samantha Vogel, Editor – Long Island Daily News

RIVERHEAD — A Suffolk County jury has found a Mastic man guilty of violently choking an 8‑month‑old infant in a case prosecutors described as “one of the most disturbing acts of cruelty against a defenseless child.” The verdict was delivered Tuesday afternoon in Suffolk County Court following a week‑long trial that detailed the infant’s severe injuries and the moments leading up to the attack.

According to prosecutors, the defendant — whose name is being withheld here pending formal sentencing — was caring for the baby when he became enraged and squeezed the child’s neck with enough force to restrict breathing. Medical experts testified that the infant suffered bruising, trauma to the airway, and symptoms consistent with attempted strangulation.

Prosecutors: “This child was lucky to survive”

During the trial, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney’s office presented medical records, witness testimony, and forensic evidence showing the infant’s injuries were not accidental. Prosecutors argued that the defendant acted with depraved indifference to human life, emphasizing that an 8‑month‑old has no ability to defend themselves or cry for help in such a situation.

“This child was lucky to survive,” a prosecutor said during closing arguments. “The defendant’s actions could have ended this baby’s life in seconds.”

Defense Claims Incident Was Accidental

The defense attempted to argue that the injuries were the result of mishandling or an accidental fall. However, pediatric specialists testified that the pattern of bruising and the nature of the trauma were “consistent with manual strangulation” and could not have occurred through normal handling.

Jurors deliberated for several hours before returning a guilty verdict on charges including first‑degree reckless assault of a child and endangering the welfare of a child.

Family Members React With Relief and Emotion

Several relatives of the infant were present in the courtroom as the verdict was read. Some cried quietly, while others embraced in relief. A family spokesperson said they were grateful the jury “saw the truth” and that they hoped the conviction would bring some measure of healing.

“This baby didn’t deserve what happened,” the spokesperson said. “We’re thankful justice is being served.”

Sentencing Set for Next Month

The defendant now faces a potential sentence of up to 25 years in state prison. Sentencing is scheduled for next month before Suffolk County Court Judge ______ (name pending).

Child Protective Services confirmed that the infant has since been placed in a safe environment and is recovering.

A Community Outraged, but United

The case has sparked outrage across Mastic and surrounding communities, with many residents expressing disbelief that such violence could be inflicted on a child so young. Advocates say the conviction underscores the need for stronger protections for infants and more resources for families in crisis.

As the legal process moves toward sentencing, community members say they will continue to stand with the child’s family — and push for reforms that ensure no child falls victim to such brutality again.

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