Jurors heard opening statements Thursday in the trial of Ann Marie Drago, who is charged in connection with the death of anti-gang activist Evelyn Rodriguez.


Long Island

Crime

Jurors hear opening statements in trial of Ann Marie Drago

Newsday

liDRAG200228_video

Most Popular

Latest videos

Crime video slot

The three women who have been charged in connection with Jor'Dynn Duncan's death — Emily Kelly, Barbara Renner and Elyssa Seymore — have each pleaded not guilty and are awaiting trial. NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'We are here to search for the truth'

The mother of a 7-year-old who was allegedly tortured and killed is filing a $250 million lawsuit against Suffolk County. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

'Multiple systems together that failed at every single point'

New court filings show the girl was allegedly isolated in her room and told not to leave the bed or speak with anyone for a full day while her appointed caretaker, Emily Kelly, visited the girl's father in prison. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

New court documents in Jor'Dynn Duncan case

Tanya Jackson's dismembered body was once tied to the Gilgo Beach serial killer probe, authorities said. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

Possible motive in 'Peaches' case revealed

Crime Article Bottom Module

The alleged assault came after ICE agents shot and wounded Oscar Belgal, 28, of the Bronx earlier this month, a shooting that spawned protests.

Man charged with attacking ICE agent following shooting of man with 5-year-old in car

Assistant District Attorney Dana Castaldo moved to abate by death the case against Daniel Burke, 65, who "officials said suffered a medical issue" at the Suffolk County jail and later died at Peconic Bay Medical Center.

Rape, kidnapping charges dropped against defendant in missing LI girl case who died in custody

Sgroilin Santana, 23, of Tamaqua, Pennsylvania, pleaded guilty on Sept. 15 to second-degree murder, attempted murder and gun charges for killing Jorge Vazquez, 35, a traveling metal worker.

Gunman sentenced for fatal shooting at LI hotel

Ryan McCaffery had pleaded guilty to posing as a teenager to solicit nude images on Snapchat and sharing child porn on a messaging app.

Former LI teacher sentenced to 3 years for soliciting nude images from underage girls

A Rockland County man was shot and killed on the bridge Tuesday.

Retired NYPD detective charged in fatal George Washington Bridge shooting

The day cares are a federally authorized Medicaid service overseen by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

More than 100 adult daycare centers raided for suspected fraud

Sign up for the Morning Update newsletter

Morning Update Newsletter Widget

Richard Heumann pleaded not guilty to 30 counts of possessing an obscene sexual performance by a child, a felony, the Westchester County District Attorney's office said in a news release.

LI man charged with having child sexual abuse material

Crime Video Playlist

Stuart Cameron, now the chief of the Old Westbury Police Department, said "The Long Watch" began as an attempt to share his experiences during 40-plus years in law enforcement with his children and grandchildren.

'You're watching out over the citizens that live in the area you're responsible for'

They likely belong to an elderly woman who went missing in the area in December, Nassau Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder said. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa has more.

'The body has not been positively identified'

Ex-NYS court officer Brian Burke accompanied Rex Heuermann to nearly all of his court appearances. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

'The most disturbing case I ever worked'

By embracing his mother, Joshua Wilck violated a court order for him to stay away from his parents. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Man charged with attacking parents arrested after hugging mother in court

Nassau County police said Nolan Gaugler, 34, was conducting a chemical experiment when the mixture "reacted violently." NewsdayTV's Virginia Huie reports.

'Of course it was dangerous'

A Human Rights Commission finds Suffolk cops failed to use body cameras properly 179 times in 2025-26. Newsday reporter Michael O'Keeffe explains.

'They all agree body cameras are good'

The victim's identity has not yet been released. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa reports.

Homicide probe launched in Nassau

More than 700 of the automatic license plate readers adorn poles and other structures in Nassau and Suffolk counties pitting security against privacy concerns. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

'Invasion of privacy? That's not cool'

The sentencing brings to an end a 6-year case that began in the early days of the COVID pandemic. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

'I would just like to move on'

Thomas Lobianco, 26, of Lake Ronkonkoma, was arraigned on a 19-count indictment in a Riverhead court room. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

'They're sitting ducks out there.'

Street takeovers this summer on Long Island have led to traffic tickets, impounded vehicles and arrests. Newsday reporter Nicholas Grasso provides insight on this trend.

Different views on LI street takeovers

There was a major police presence at Pearl Court in Sayville on Friday morning as authorities investigated a report of a woman found dead in her home. NewsdayTV's Andrew Ehinger reports.

Homicide detectives at the scene

Homepage Trending

Halloween events on LI

2026 LI Voters Guide

Wallet Watch

Working Moms

NEWSDAY TV SHORTS

Vertical videos

Make the jump to light speed on this week's LI Works. NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa meets with a member of The 501st Legion, Empire City Garrison.

LI Works: Explore the dark side of the Force with Ken

NewsdayTV's Macy Egeland talks to Andrea McCade, founder of The Social Mom Club LI, about how new moms can connect with others.

Working Moms: Making mom friends

NewsdayTV's Doug Geed goes inside Critterville Farm Sanctuary to meet the rescued animals finding a second chance and the local passion that keeps it all going.

Out East: Critterville in Riverhead

Video of two Suffolk police officers joining a group of teens playing soccer goes viral. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn has more.

Chance encounter turns into viral video

NewsdayTV's Ken Buffa visits Co-Owner, Dough & Co. Pizza to try the Apple Bay Pizza, which is exclusive to their Oyster Bay location.

Trendy Bites: An apple pie ... pizza?

Tess Ferguson breaks down the Week 6 results in Newsday's high school fantasy football league.

Newsday's high school fantasy football Week 6 results

High school athletes striving to play sports in college might want to look at niche sports that give them a better chance. NewsdayTV's Jared Valluzzi reports.

Niche sports might get you a leg up to play at college level

NewsdayTV's Carissa Kellman explores the historic and festive charm of Sleepy Hollow during a fall day trip.

A hauntingly good time in Sleepy Hollow

According to Babylon town tax documents, the proposed increase will cost the average household about $115 a year. NewsdayTV's Shari Einhorn reports.

Proposed property tax hike in Babylon

NewsdayTV's Andi Berlin tried some new martini combinations at Beacon in Long Beach.

Design your own martini at this Long Beach speakeasy

<a href="https://www.newsday.com/video/newsdaytv-top-stories">Get more on these and other NewsdayTV stories</a>

Newsday TV

NewsdayTV Top Item

Luxe apts. got tax break without affordable housing ... Serial killer's home sold ... County on hook for $70M for dangerous intersection ... What's up on LI

Luxe apts. got tax break without affordable housing ... County on hook for $70M for dangerous intersection ... Serial killer's home sold

App Nativo Ad Unit Slot

Crime - megaslot

Follow crime and courts news in Nassau and Suffolk, including incidents reported in your neighborhood, trial coverage, sentencings and more.

Stay logged in.