On the evening of August 2, 2023, 32-year-old Daniel Johnston of Shirley was fatally wounded after his vehicle left William Floyd Parkway near Rugby Drive. Johnston was driving a 2021 Chevrolet southbound in the northbound lanes when the vehicle veered off the road and struck a pole and a fence around 8 p.m. Responders found he had suffered a gunshot wound to his leg and he was taken by Mastic Beach Ambulance to Long Island Community Hospital in East Patchogue, where he was pronounced dead.

Johnston, a William Floyd High School graduate who worked as a drywall finisher and painter, is described as White, Caucasian. The Suffolk County Police Homicide Squad is investigating; no suspects, motives, or arrests have been publicly identified. Detectives have asked the public for information that could lead to an arrest.

If anyone saw activity on William Floyd Parkway near Rugby Drive that night or has information about the shooting, please share it with investigators.