SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney announced that Brent Henry, 61, of Riverhead, has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison following his conviction for Murder in the Second Degree and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree in connection with the fatal shooting of 23-year-old Ines Reyes of East Patchogue.
When the defendant senselessly murdered Mr. Reyes, he robbed him of a future,” said District Attorney Tierney. “We hope that today’s sentence brings a small measure of closure to his loved ones.”
According to trial evidence, the incident began on August 18, 2023, when Henry and Reyes became involved in a verbal dispute that escalated into a physical fight inside the Bellport home shared by Reyes and his girlfriend, who is also Henry’s niece.
After the altercation, Reyes and his girlfriend left the residence and went to a relative’s home on Amsterdam Avenue in East Patchogue. A short time later, Henry arrived at that location and confronted Reyes again, sparking another fistfight outside the home.
During the confrontation, Henry allegedly walked to his vehicle, retrieved a .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun, and shot Reyes multiple times in front of witnesses, including his niece.
Reyes was transported to Long Island Community Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Henry was arrested the following day, August 19, 2023.
Following a jury trial Henry was found guilty on October 2, 2025, of Murder in the second degree, a class A violent felony and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the second degree, class C violent felonies. On November 7, 2025, Henry was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision.
Key Facts and Details
| Category | Information |
|---|---|
| Defendant | Brent Henry, 61, of Riverhead, NY |
| Victim | Ines Reyes, 23, of East Patchogue, NY |
| Incident Date | August 18, 2023 |
| Arrest Date | August 19, 2023 |
| Location of Shooting | Amsterdam Avenue, East Patchogue |
| Weapon Used | .40-caliber semi-automatic handgun |
| Conviction Date | October 2, 2025 |
| Sentencing Date | November 7, 2025 |
| Sentence | 25 years to life in prison + 5 years post-release supervision |
| Judge | Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz |
| Defense Attorneys | Katherine Fernandez, Esq.; David Arpino, Esq. |
| Prosecuting Agency | Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office |
