Posted on: August 09, 2026 06:30 AM

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Two Defendants sentenced to prison for the fatal mistaken identity shooting of homeowner during attempted burglary

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Christopher Fernandez, 29, of Sound Beach, was sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after a jury found him guilty of Murder in the Second Degree and other related charges, for his role in the fatal shooting of Michael Hartmann, 49, during an attempted burglary at the victim’s Bohemia home in 2022. Co-defendant Oliver Schor, 24, of Miller Place, was sentenced to 22 years to life after pleading guilty to Murder in the Second Degree for his role in the crime.

“While nothing can bring Michael Hartmann back or fill the void left for his wife and children by this devastating murder, the prison sentences handed down today for Christopher Fernandez and Oliver Schor ensures that both defendants are held fully accountable,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Mr. Hartmann did nothing wrong – he was shot at his own home – and his family deserved nothing less than justice.”

The evidence at trial established that on November 2, 2022, at approximately 6:36 a.m., Fernandez and Schor, both armed with guns, descended upon the victim’s Bohemia home. Fernandez mistakenly believed that a cellphone that had allegedly been stolen from him was pinging from the victim’s residence. Fernandez and Schor attempted to enter the residence through the back door when they encountered the victim.

One of the defendants opened fire and shot the victim multiple times before both defendants fled. The victim was pronounced dead at the scene. The investigation showed that Fernandez and Schor went to the wrong location in a case of mistaken identity.

Shortly before the murder, Fernandez stole a ski mask, gloves, and a hat from a gas station in Manorville.

On March 6, 2026, Fernandez was convicted of the following charges after a jury trial heard before Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski:

• Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony;

• Attempted Burglary in the First Degree, a Class B felony;

• Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree, a Class C felony;

• Criminal Use of a Firearm in the Second Degree, a Class C felony; and

• Petit Larceny, a Class A misdemeanor.

Fernandez was sentenced today to 25 years to life in prison. He was represented by Christopher Cassar, Esq. and Pierre Bazile, Esq.

On March 18, 2026, co-defendant Schor pleaded guilty before Justice Pilewski to Murder in the Second Degree, a Class A felony, for his role in the murder. He was sentenced today to 22 years to life in prison.

From DA