Lindenhurst Man Left Victim ‘In A Pool Of Blood’ In Brutal Putnam Gardens Stabbing: DA

LINDENHURST, NY — A Lindenhurst man has been indicted on an attempted murder charge after prosecutors said he stabbed a 27-year-old Central Islip man multiple times in the head and body during an attack at the Putnam Gardens apartment complex.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said Tesfa Tucker, 42, of Lindenhurst, was indicted for second-degree attempted murder and other related charges stemming from an alleged stabbing on Feb. 17, 2026, at 5:30 p.m., at Putnam Gardens, located at 930 North Putnam Ave. in Lindenhurst.

Prosecutors said Tucker struck the victim multiple times in the head and body with a large knife that had a metal knuckle handle. The DA’s office said a witness heard Tucker yelling at the victim during the assault, while another witness saw Tucker strike the victim multiple times in the head.

The victim was transported by ambulance to Good Samaritan Hospital, where he was treated for serious injuries, prosecutors said. The DA’s office said those injuries included multiple skull fractures, lacerations to his head and neck area, and two severed fingers.

After Tucker’s arrest, law enforcement executed a search warrant at Tucker’s apartment and recovered a large knife with metal knuckles that had red staining consistent with blood, prosecutors said.

Tierney said Tucker was arraigned on the indictment on March 3, before Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice John Collins. Tucker was charged with second-degree attempted murder, two counts of first-degree assault, and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon, Tierney said. Tucker is represented by attorney William Sammis.

"I've applied for him to be examined by a couple of doctors to see if he's fit to stand trial," Sammis said to Patch.

Collins ordered Tucker remanded while the case is pending, prosecutors said. Tucker is due back in court on April 16 and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted on the top count, the DA’s office said.

“This was a brutal and dangerous outbreak of violence," Tierney said. “The defendant’s alleged anger and lack of self-control left the victim in a pool of blood, fighting for his life. Our office is committed to pursuing justice for this victim and ensuring that those who commit such vicious acts of violence are held fully accountable.”