On a tragic Father's Day morning, June 19, 2011, Bryon Sheffield, a 71-year-old male from Medford, New York, was fatally shot during a robbery at the Haven Drugs pharmacy in his hometown. He had gone to the pharmacy to pick up medication for his wife, who was recovering from heart surgery. Sheffield was one of four victims who lost their lives in the violent rampage.
The other victims were identified as pharmacist Raymond Ferguson, 45, employee Jennifer Mejia, 17, and another customer, Jaime Taccetta, 33.
The senseless act of violence was carried out by David Laffer, who entered the pharmacy with the intention of stealing prescription painkillers to feed his and his wife's addiction. Laffer, armed with a. 45 caliber handgun, shot and killed the four individuals at close range. Bryon Sheffield was tragically shot in the back of the head shortly after entering the store.
Following an intensive investigation by the Suffolk County Police, David Laffer and his wife, Melinda Brady, were arrested for their involvement in the horrific crime. Brady had driven the getaway car and assisted Laffer in his attempt to disguise his appearance. The investigation revealed that the couple had meticulously planned the robbery.
In court proceedings, David Laffer pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and was subsequently sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Melinda Brady also pleaded guilty to robbery charges for her role in the crime and received a sentence of 25 years in prison. The tragic event drew significant attention to the growing problem of prescription drug abuse.
