June 8, 2006

Home Invader Sentenced

Brooklyn man receives 18-year sentence for June home invasion

MINEOLA, NY - Nassau County District Attorney Kathleen Rice announced that Eugene Elmore, 37, of Brooklyn, has been sentenced by Judge William Donnino to 18 years in prison in connection with a June 2005 home invasion in New Hyde Park. Mr. Elmore pleaded guilty April 27 to Robbery in the First Degree and Burglary in the First Degree.

“Home invasions are among the most brutal, vicious crimes we see in our communities,” said Rice, who, at the time of the plea, recommended a 20-year sentence for Mr. Elmore. “First rate police work, aggressive prosecution and community awareness are crucial in deterring these very personal attacks.”

On June 10, 2005, at about 3:35 AM, Eugene Elmore and another, unidentified male suspect, entered the home at 29 Heather Lane in North New Hyde Park through a first floor bathroom window. Both subjects were armed with handguns. They woke the sleeping victims and forced them to surrender their property. As the subjects attempted to tie up one of the victims, the victim resisted and was hit in the head with a handgun. The victim was also bit on the right index finger by the defendant. Fingernail scrapings of the victim were analyzed and found to contain the DNA of Eugene Elmore.

Major Offense Bureau ADA Melinda McSherry handled the case for the District Attorney's Office. Mr. Elmore was represented by Oscar Holt.