In the early hours of September 11, 2024, 32-year-old Yinauri Antonio Taveras was found on the side of Wayside Lane in Wantagh, New York, suffering a fatal gunshot wound. Officers responding to a call at about 12:13 a.m. discovered Taveras, a husband and father who had been dividing his time between Westbury and Puerto Rico and was visiting family on Long Island.

Investigators say the killing followed a confrontation that began the previous evening in Bay Shore. A group of people allegedly followed Taveras after spotting him at an establishment, forced a rear-end collision near the Southern State Parkway exit to Wantagh Avenue, and, when he stopped on Wayside Lane to check the damage, ambushed, robbed and shot him. Police have stated the motive appeared to be a dispute over payment for items Taveras had bought and that the incident was not connected to drugs or gang activity.

On December 4, 2024, authorities arrested Anderson Ramirez, 34, of Central Islip, and Alex R. DeLarosa, 27, of Bay Shore; both were charged with second-degree murder and second-degree robbery and pleaded not guilty at arraignment. Investigators continue to seek at least two other suspects identified as Johnny Rodriguez, known as Flaco, and Elvin Rosario, known as Fling, with a reward offered for information leading to their arrests.

Did anyone in the area see or hear anything on Wayside Lane the night of September 10 into September 11 that could help the investigation?