SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY – A Sound Beach man has been convicted of murder and several related charges for his role in the fatal shooting of a Bohemia homeowner during what prosecutors described as a botched burglary attempt in 2022.
According to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office, a jury found Christopher Fernandez, 29, guilty of Murder in the Second Degree and additional charges connected to the death of Michael Hartmann, 49, who was shot outside his home.
Prosecutors said the incident occurred on November 2, 2022, shortly after 6:30 a.m., when Fernandez and an accomplice, both armed with handguns, went to Hartmann’s Bohemia residence. Investigators said Fernandez believed a cellphone that had allegedly been stolen from him was transmitting a location signal near the property.
Authorities said Fernandez and co-defendant Oliver Schor approached the home and attempted to enter through the back door. Hartmann encountered the two men on his rear deck, and one of the suspects opened fire, striking the homeowner multiple times. Both suspects fled the scene after the shooting.
Hartmann was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators later determined the suspects had gone to the wrong residence, making the killing a case of mistaken identity.
Evidence presented at trial also showed that Fernandez had threatened an employee at a gas station in Manorville shortly before the fatal shooting.
Following the trial before Steven A. Pilewski in New York State Supreme Court, the jury returned guilty verdicts on multiple charges, including:
- Murder in the Second Degree
- Attempted Burglary in the First Degree
- Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree
- Criminal Use of a Firearm in the Second Degree
- Petit Larceny
Fernandez is scheduled to be sentenced on April 8, 2026, and faces a potential prison term of 25 years to life.
Key Facts and Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Case | Fatal shooting during attempted burglary |
| Defendant | Christopher Fernandez, 29, of Sound Beach, New York |
| Victim | Michael Hartmann, 49, Bohemia homeowner |
| Incident Date | November 2, 2022 |
| Time of Incident | Approximately 6:36 a.m. |
| Location | Victim’s residence in Bohemia, Suffolk County, NY |
| Circumstances | Two armed suspects went to the home believing a stolen cellphone was pinging nearby |
| What Happened | The suspects attempted to enter through the back door and encountered the homeowner on his deck |
| Shooting | One of the suspects opened fire, striking Hartmann multiple times |
| Outcome | Hartmann was pronounced dead at the scene |
| Investigation Finding | Authorities determined the suspects went to the wrong home in a case of mistaken identity |
| Additional Incident | Fernandez allegedly threatened a gas station employee in Manorville shortly before the shooting |
| Trial Result | Jury found Fernandez guilty on March 6, 2026 |
| Major Charges | Murder in the Second Degree; Attempted Burglary in the First Degree; Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree; Criminal Use of a Firearm in the Second Degree |
| Additional Charge | Petit Larceny |
| Sentencing Date | April 8, 2026 |
| Potential Sentence | Up to 25 years to life in prison |
| Defense Attorneys | Christopher Cassar, Esq.; Pierre Bazile, Esq. |
| Co-Defendant | Oliver Schor (case still pending) |
| Court | New York State Supreme Court, Suffolk County |
| Presiding Judge | Justice Steven A. Pilewski |
