Umar Elquhir fatally shot on Poospatuck Reservation in Mastic

A North Bellport man died in a late-night shooting on the Poospatuck Reservation in Mastic, Suffolk County police said Wednesday.

Just before 9:30 p.m. Tuesday, police responded to a report that a man had been shot at a home on Poospatuck Lane. Officers arrived and found Umar Elquhir, 45, outside the home on the reservation with multiple gunshots. 

Elquhir was transported to Long Island Community Hospital in Patchogue, where he was pronounced dead, police said, adding that investigators had not identified a shooter or a motive for the killing.

Police did not know if Elquhir was a tribal member. Because the Poospatuck Tribe is not recognized by the federal government, Suffolk County police are responsible for criminal investigations. 

In 2020, Elquhir was one of two people charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting in East Patchogue of Earle Foster, 52, of Hempstead. Elquhir was acquitted in February, said his attorney, David Besso. Court information on the other person charged was not immediately available.

Besso said he did not believe Elquhir was a tribal member. Elquhir had prior convictions, including a federal charge of unlawful transportation of firearms, according to court records. 

"I think it's a tragedy he would be shot down at his place of residence and I hope they catch the perpetrator," Besso said. 

Detectives are asking anyone with information to call the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.

By John Asbury

john.asbury@newsday.comJohnAsbury

John Asbury is a breaking news and general assignment reporter. He has been with Newsday since 2014 and previously worked at The Press-Enterprise in Riverside, California.