BELLPORT MAN INDICTED FOR SECOND DEGREE MURDER

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced the indictment of Shati Smith, a 28-year-old man accused of Murder in the Second Degree for fatally shooting Lee Houpe in North Bellport in June.

“This defendant allegedly shot the victim multiple times in broad daylight before fleeing,” said Tierney. “Thanks to the dogged efforts of the Suffolk County Law Enforcement this defendant could run but he could not hide.  This alleged cold-blooded killer was tracked all the way to Virginia where he has been brought back to Suffolk County to face justice.  This case sends the message that if you commit senseless acts of violence in Suffolk County, the Police Department and District Attorney’s Office will pursue you, capture you and hold you responsible for your actions.” 

According to the investigation, on June 15, 2022, at approximately 1:45 p.m., Houpe, also 28, was standing in a friend's driveway when he was approached by the defendant and shot multiple times.  Smith allegedly got out of his car and started shooting at the victim hitting him three times. The victim then collapsed to the ground and the defendant proceeded to stand over the victim shooting him an additional seven times, hitting him in the face, arm and chest, killing him. The defendant got back into his car and fled the scene.

The defendant allegedly fled to Virginia where he was found by the Suffolk County Police detectives and arrested on charges of Murder in the Second Degree. Smith was brought to Suffolk County after eventually waiving extradition.

Today, at his arraignment on the indictment, the Honorable Stephen L. Braslow ordered Smith held without bail or bond.  Smith is being represented by John Halverson, Esq., of McGiff Halverson Dooley LLP. Smith’s next court date is September 20, 2022.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Elena Tomaro of the Homicide Bureau.

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Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments.

Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.

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