(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Dynasty Sanders, 21, of North Carolina, was indicted for Murder in the Second Degree and other related charges, for allegedly shooting Stephen McCoy, 52, of Holtsville, in the head during a burglary at his home, which ultimately caused his death.
“After allegedly forcing her way into the victim’s home and shooting him in the head, the defendant was left to endure countless surgeries and unimaginable pain before he ultimately lost his life,” said District Attorney Tierney. “My office will ensure this defendant is held accountable for the suffering she allegedly caused.”
According to the investigation, in the early afternoon hours of October 20, 2024, Sanders allegedly broke into the victim’s Holtsville home, pointed a gun at the victim and his wife, and demanded money. During a struggle, the victim was overpowered, and Sanders allegedly shot him in the face for not complying with her demands. Sanders then allegedly pointed the gun at the victim’s wife, but she was able to run outside to safety. Sanders then allegedly fled in her vehicle and drove back to North Carolina.
The victim was rushed to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment of his serious injuries, which included a traumatic brain injury and extensive blood loss.
The Suffolk County Police Department’s Fugitive Squad apprehended Sanders in North Carolina, and she was extradited back to New York. On August 22, 2025, Sanders was arraigned on an indictment for Attempted Murder before Supreme Court Justice Karen M. Wilutis and remanded without bail.
After over a year of multiple surgeries and treatments, the victim ultimately succumbed to the gunshot wound and passed away on January 24, 2026. An autopsy concluded the cause of death was complications from the gunshot wound to his head.
On April 7, 2026, Sanders was arraigned on the superseding indictment before Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei for the following charges:
· Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony;
· Burglary in the First Degree, a Class B felony;
· Criminal Use of a Firearm in the First Degree, a Class B felony; and
· Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C felony.
Justice Mazzei ordered Sanders remanded without bail during the pendency of the case. Sanders is due back in court on April 28, 2026, and faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the top count. She is being represented by Ian Fitzgerald, Esq.
This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Patrick Fedun and Kieran Rogers of the Major Crime Bureau, with the assistance of Crime Victim Advocate Aracelis Buchanan, as well as Discovery Expeditor Taylor Steele and Paralegal Emily Lonigro. The investigation was conducted by Detective Shaun Sullivan of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Sixth Squad, Detective Delilah Bustamante of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Homicide Squad, and District Attorney Detective Investigator Daniel Gallagher.