In the autumn of 2022, a sequence of events unfolded in Central Islip, New York, that culminated in the tragic death of 19-year-old Carlos Guillen of Bay Shore. On the afternoon of October 1st, Guillen was driving an Acura eastbound on Francisco Avenue when his vehicle suddenly crashed into a parked trailer and a fence at the intersection of Lurcott Lane. When emergency services arrived, the scene initially appeared to be a serious car accident.
Guillen was quickly transported to South Shore University Hospital in Bay Shore for treatment. It was there that the true nature of the incident came to light, as physicians discovered that Guillen had sustained a bullet wound. Despite medical efforts, he was pronounced dead a short time later.
The discovery of the gunshot wound transformed the investigation from a traffic incident into a homicide. Suffolk County detectives began the arduous task of piecing together the moments that led to Guillen's death. Their investigation revealed a sinister plot that began with a prearranged meeting. It is alleged that 20-year-old Erick Garcia of Central Islip had orchestrated the meeting with Guillen under the guise of a transaction, but with the actual intent of robbing him. When Guillen arrived at the arranged location, Garcia allegedly entered his vehicle armed with a firearm.
The situation inside the car escalated quickly. As Garcia attempted to carry out the robbery, Guillen accelerated the vehicle with Garcia still inside. In response, Garcia allegedly fired his weapon, striking Guillen. Surveillance footage from the area later captured Garcia exiting the moving vehicle. Gravely wounded, Guillen attempted to call 911 for help but was unable to speak during the call. His car continued to travel a short distance before crashing.
The investigation into Carlos Guillen's death continued for over a month. A significant break in the case came on November 10, 2022, when Erick Garcia was arrested in Central Islip on an unrelated charge of possessing an unserialized 9 mm handgun. While this weapon was not believed to be the one used in Guillen's murder, Garcia's arrest provided law enforcement with the opportunity to further their homicide investigation. Following an extensive investigation, the Suffolk County Police Department arrested Garcia on April 11, 2024. The following day, the Suffolk County District Attorney announced that Garcia had been indicted on two counts of Murder in the Second Degree, one count of Attempted Robbery in the First Degree, and one count of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree.
