A Long Island man convicted of stabbing and robbing a funeral home director in 2023 caused chaos in a Suffolk County courtroom on Tuesday before receiving a 25-year prison sentence. Jason Funderburke, 39, who was found guilty by a jury in March, disrupted the proceedings by attempting to fire his attorney, interrupting the prosecutors, and disrespecting the judge.
Despite his protests, Funderburke was reminded by Judge Timothy Mazzei that he had been convicted by a jury of his peers. Funderburke continued to shout and cite various laws, accusing the court of violating his rights.
Throughout the trial, Funderburke displayed serious mental health issues, which his attorney urged the judge to consider during sentencing. This only further angered Funderburke, who insisted on representing himself and tried to dismiss his legal counsel on the spot.
Despite Funderburke’s defiant behavior, the judge proceeded to sentence him to 25 years in prison and had him removed from the courtroom. As he was being dragged out, Funderburke sarcastically bid the court a good day, to which Judge Mazzei replied that it would be better than Funderburke’s. In response, Funderburke called the judge “the devil.”
The incident in question took place in August 2023 when Funderburke and an accomplice robbed and stabbed the owner of an Amityville funeral home. The victim was threatened with a knife and attacked when he refused to comply with their demands. Fortunately, the victim survived the stabbing.
Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney emphasized that violent attacks would not be tolerated in the county, especially against individuals who serve the community during sensitive times. Funderburke’s actions resulted in a lengthy prison sentence to protect residents from further harm.
