Police probe Central Islip fatal shooting

Suffolk County police were investigating after a young man was found dead in the middle of a Central Islip street Sunday night.

Police said Monday that they responded to a 911 call reporting shots fired on Wilson Boulevard about 11:35 p.m. Sunday. There, police said, they found Derrick Mayes, 21, of Central Islip, lying in the middle of the street, dead from a gunshot wound in the torso.

Det. Lt. Jack Fitzpatrick, commanding officer of the Homicide Squad, said Mayes had been walking near 979 Wilson Blvd., coming from a location Fitzpatrick would not disclose, when Mayes was confronted by at least one person.

Neighbors reported hearing two loud gunshots, but when they looked out their windows, they said, they saw only the body of Mayes lying in the street -- and no gunman, Fitzpatrick said.

Now, investigators are trying to piece together what happened -- and whether Mayes was targeted.

"That's one of the things we're trying to do is to get more information about his background," Fitzpatrick said. "And find out if he has any enemies."

Fitzpatrick said investigators are interviewing friends, family and neighbors.

Detectives ask anyone with information on the shooting to call the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392 or Crime Stoppers at 800-220-TIPS (8477). All calls will be kept confidential.