A Smithtown man was indicted on attempted murder and burglary charges after prosecutors said he broke into a family member’s St. James home, stabbed the victim multiple times and threatened the victim’s child.
Daniel Spector, 42, was arraigned June 10 before Suffolk County Supreme Court Justice Timothy P. Mazzei, according to Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.
Prosecutors said the incident happened on the morning of May 28, when Spector allegedly went to the family member’s home despite a court-issued order of protection.
Spector allegedly kicked open the front door, threatened the victim and forced his way into a bedroom where the victim had tried to barricade themself inside.
The DA’s office said Spector allegedly stabbed the victim multiple times in the chest, arms and legs with a makeshift weapon made from a broomstick with a sharp metal object attached. Prosecutors said he also threatened to kill the victim and harm the victim’s minor child, who was hiding in a nearby closet.
Spector then allegedly used scissors to stab the victim in the face, strangled the victim, dragged them into another room and pressed his shin against their neck until they lost consciousness, prosecutors said.
The victim’s mother intervened as Spector allegedly began dragging the victim toward a staircase. Prosecutors said Spector fled the home, and the victim’s mother called 911.
The victim was taken to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment. Suffolk County police arrested Spector a few blocks from the home.
Spector was indicted on charges of attempted murder in the second degree, burglary in the first degree, attempted assault in the first degree, assault in the second degree, strangulation in the second degree, aggravated criminal contempt, criminal possession of a weapon, criminal contempt and endangering the welfare of a child.
Mazzei ordered Spector remanded while the case is pending. He is due back in court July 14 and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top count.
Spector is represented by Jason Bassett. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Zachary Kelly of the Child Abuse and Domestic Violence Bureau.
The charges are accusations, and Spector is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
