SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY – A Central Islip man with a prior violent felony conviction has been sentenced to 24 years to life in prison following a shooting incident outside a baby shower in North Amityville, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.
Michael Lyles, 37, received the sentence on March 23, 2026, after being found guilty at trial of two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, both classified as Class C violent felonies.
Prosecutors said the incident occurred on January 27, 2024, at the North Amityville Fire Department, where Lyles had been attending a baby shower. As the event was winding down, a physical altercation involving multiple attendees broke out inside the venue and spilled into the parking lot.
According to evidence presented at trial, surveillance footage showed Lyles running to his vehicle, opening the passenger-side doors, and retrieving a firearm. He then allegedly fired approximately ten rounds in the direction of another individual. While no one was struck, multiple bullets hit a nearby vehicle, which authorities said was unoccupied at the time.
Following the gunfire, Lyles handed the weapon to another individual who fled the scene, prosecutors said. Responding officers recovered ten 9mm shell casings from the parking lot, along with a gray Toyota Highlander that had sustained significant damage, including bullet holes through the windshield, hood, and driver’s side panels.
Investigators later identified Lyles through surveillance footage and executed a search warrant at his residence, where they recovered clothing believed to have been worn during the incident.
The case proceeded to trial, where a jury found Lyles guilty on November 25, 2025, following proceedings before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski.
Authorities noted that Lyles had a prior 2018 conviction for attempted criminal possession of a weapon, also a violent felony. He was released on parole in 2022 and was still under supervision at the time of the shooting.
After the incident, officials said Lyles violated the terms of his parole and fled the area. He remained at large for several months before being located and arrested with assistance from the United States Marshals Service approximately seven months later.
District Attorney Tierney emphasized the risks posed by repeat offenders and said the sentence reflects the seriousness of the conduct and the defendant’s criminal history.
Key Facts and Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Michael Lyles, 37, of Central Islip |
| Sentence | 24 years to life in prison |
| Incident Date | January 27, 2024 |
| Location | North Amityville Fire Department |
| Charges | Two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon (2nd Degree) |
| Conviction Date | November 25, 2025 |
| Prior Record | 2018 violent felony weapons conviction |
| Parole Status | On parole at time of incident |
| Shots Fired | Approximately 10 rounds |
| Injuries | None reported |
| Arrest | Apprehended ~7 months later with U.S. Marshals assistance |
