Friday, July 12, 2019
Vol. 79, No. 28
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Five arrested in attack, fatal shooting in park
Kion Carter
Charles Spinella
Patricia Quilliam
Dimitri Filacouris
Nassau County Police arrested five people in a fatal shooting that took place in Haypath Park on Saturday, July 6th at 10:24 p.m. Police arrested Brandon P. Torres, 22, of Staten Island; Kion Carter, 25, of Middle Island; Charles Spinella, 17, of Kings Park; Patricia Quilliam, 19, of Greenlawn and Dimitri Filacouris, 21, of Old Bethpage. According to detectives, Torres, Carter, Spinella and Quilliam all conspired together with victim Stefon Pierre to commit a robbery against Filacouris. Police say that once the group arrived at the park, Torres and Carter met with Filacouris and Torres immediately took out his pistol and robbed Filacouris. Police say the defendents took one pound of marijuana, a cell phone and keys. Police say the victim, Pierre, started to walk up to the three during the robbery and Torres
shot Pierre as he approached. Pierre was taken to Plainview hospital by his co-conspirators and was pronounced dead by hospital staff on Sunday, July 7, at approximately 5:37 a.m. The investigation into this case continues and detectives request anyone with information regarding this incident to call Homicide Squad detectives at (516) 573-7788 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS. All callers will remain anonymous. Brandon Torres is charged with Murder 2nd degree, Robbery 1st degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd degree. Kion Carter is charged with Robbery 1st degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd degree and Murder 2nd degree. Patricia Quilliam is charged with Robbery 1st degree and Criminal Possession of a Weapon 2nd degree. Charles Spinella is charged with Robbery 1st degree and Criminal Possession
Brandon Torres of a Weapon 2nd degree. Dimitri Filacouris is charged with Criminal Possession of Marijuana 2nd degree.
Hicksville amputee defies odds by competing in Spartan challenge BY GARY SIMEONE Amy Palmiero-Winters just returned from competing in one of the toughest endurance challenges of her life. The Hicksville resident, who lost the bottom portion of her right leg in a motorcycle accident in 1994, spent five days in Africa, competing in the Spartan Extreme Endurance Agoge challenge. The challenge took place from June 19th to June 25th. “I didn’t sleep for like 60 to 72 hours learning how to live the traditional life of the Kalahari bushmen in Namibia,” said Palmiero-Winters. “I spent four days and nights trying to get everyone else who was a part of this to the finish line.” As part of the challenge, participants from all over
the world had to build traditional huts to live in, learn how to hunt with a bow and arrow, fight off thirst and starvation and constantly be wary of wild animals on the horizon. “It’s way more than just your typical endurance event. We had to do things like make fire from rubbing sticks together and learn how to utilize our dwindling supply of food and water. At same time we worked with the local culture helping them build huts and drainage systems and the like.” She said she puts herself through this grueling challenge not for a medal, T-shirt or other material items, but for the camaraderie and to see everyone cross finish line. “What Agoge means to me is loyalty, leadership,
determination and that we’re all as strong as our weakest link. Everybody has one goal to cross that finish line, and once you do it is a huge boost for your self-esteem and truly a life-changing event.” She said that having a strong female presence in her group and among the locals benefited everyone because it gave hope and inspiration to everyone involved in the challenge. Before losing her leg in the accident in Pennsylvania, where she is originally from, Palmiero-Winters said that she had never met any other active amputees. “When you lose your leg there are no handbooks or guides given to you. It is a completely unknown world,” See page 7
Division Ave. Class of 2019 PAGES 18-19 Levittown students set sights on HS PAGE 9