Cops: Little help seen in fatal Central Islip shooting

A teen was killed and two others were wounded Sunday when a large Central Islip house party ended in a barrage of gunfire.

Suffolk County police said they've received little witness cooperation, in an area where some residents report persistent gang activity.

A motive in this attack, however, has yet to be determined.

"We're looking for anybody's help," said Det. Lt. Gerard Pelkofsky, commanding officer of the Suffolk police homicide squad.

Eugene Smith, 17, of North Elliot Walk, Brooklyn, was shot in the back as he stood outside an Ackerman Street home at 1:30 a.m., police said. He later died at Southside Hospital in Bay Shore.

"I don't know what happened. All I know is my son is dead," Hubert Smith said by phone yesterday afternoon. "I loved him and now he's gone. I've got nothing else to say."

Luigi Casimir, 19, of Brentwood, and Drew Watson, 24, of Central Islip, were treated for nonlife-threatening injuries at the same Bay Shore hospital, detectives said.

It was unclear if the three victims or the assailants, were invited guests at the birthday party being held at the home, Pelkofsky said.

Neighbors said that more than two dozen gunshots could be heard outside the residence, scattering a crowd of about 100 young people. Revelers fled through backyards, with at least one victim unable to scale a nearby fence, according to one witness.

Phil Falk, 34, a Central Islip firefighter, was returning from a call when he saw a group of teens walking toward the party. Minutes later, from his home on parallel Clift Street, he heard what he described as "at least 30 rounds."

"My friend said maybe it was firecrackers," Falk said. "I told him, 'You know that wasn't firecrackers.' Girls were crying out, and it wasn't for joy."

Nearly 12 hours after the shooting, balloons remained tied to a fence on the property where the victims were struck. The homeowner could not be reached for comment.

Police had an entire block of Ackerman cordoned off. Evidence placards stretched the entire length, nearly abutting the front of Cordello Avenue Elementary School.

"It seems like every weekend the cops are called," said Debbie Cavanagh, a local civic leader who has raised concerns about large parties at the Ackerman Street residence. "Police are doing what they can, but they're not getting much help."

Mohammed Siagha, a 20-year resident of the neighborhood, said many homeowners, suspecting gang activity, are fearful to get involved. Still, he and a small group of sympathizers have launched attempts at a neighborhood block watch, soliciting the help of similar Brentwood organizations.

A block watch sign was recently erected around the corner from the shooting, and members participated in a graffiti cleanup.

"I think removing the graffiti writing is not enough, though," said Siagha, 45. "We're trying to make people aware of what's going on, but unfortunately, we've failed so far. We have to work a little harder."

Anyone with information regarding the shooting may contact detectives at 631-852-6392 or, to remain confidential, call Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS.