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Rockland DA: WEST NYACK MAN SENTENCED TO 15 YEARS IN STATE PRISON FOR FATALLY STABBING MISSING PERSON FROM ORANGE COUNTY

Published

1 year ago

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ROCKLAND COUNTY, NY – Rockland County District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II announced today that Joseph Janulewicz, 65 of West Nyack, New York was sentenced in Rockland County Court before the Honorable Anne B. Bianchi to fifteen years in state prison and five years of post-release supervision based upon his plea of guilty on November 22, 2023 to one count of Manslaughter in the First Degree in connection with the homicide of Brian Romney.

On June 10, 2022, a relative of Brian Romney filed a missing person report with the Village of Greenwood Lake Police Department, when he did not arrive at his relative’s home as expected on June 8, 2022, and had not been in communication with his family and friends since the morning of that date. The New York State Police was requested to assist in the missing person investigation. A vehicle belonging to Brian Romney was located on June 15, 2022 in West Nyack, NY in close proximity to East Street. The investigation by the New York State Police resulted in the execution of a search warrant upon the residence of 35 East Street in West Nyack and the discovery of Brian Romney’s deceased body concealed in a tarp inside a storage room within the residence of Joseph Janulewicz on June 16, 2022. Romney suffered multiple stab wounds to his person, and the Medical Examiner ruled his death a homicide.

Upon pleading guilty, the defendant admitted that he intended to cause Brian Romney serious physical injury when he stabbed him multiple times about his body, including a fatal wound to his back, which caused his death. He admitted that he then wrapped the corpse of Brian Romney in a blue tarp and concealed it within his residence until it was discovered by the New York State Police.

District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh II said, “The defendant in this case is responsible for brutally stabbing the victim multiple times and causing his death. I commend the dedication and exceptional investigation by the New York State Police with assistance from the Village of Greenwood Lake Police Department in this case. The defendant is now off the streets and will be serving a lengthy prison term for his actions.”

The case was investigated by the New York State Police and the Village of Greenwood Lake Police Department. The case was prosecuted by First Assistant District Attorney Doreen Lloyd and Executive Assistant District Attorney Michael Dugandzic.

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Crime

A Day In The Life of Ramapo Police Officers

Published

7 days ago

on

May 21, 2025

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Over the past 24 hours, Ramapo Police Officers have remained hard at work, responding to calls for service, enforcing traffic laws, and actively engaging with our community. Here’s a look at the highlights from another demanding day in public safety.

Traffic Enforcement & Public Safety

Our continued efforts to maintain roadway safety led to several enforcement actions:

  • Three motorists were cited for operating vehicles with suspended registrations.

  • Three drivers were stopped and cited for driving with suspended licenses.

These proactive measures are part of our ongoing commitment to keeping our roadways safe for all.

Arrests and Enforcement Actions

Officers made several arrests in connection with a variety of incidents:

  • Two individuals were taken into custody on active warrants. Both were later released on their own recognizance.

  • One arrest was made in a domestic incident for violating an Order of Protection. The individual was also released on recognizance.

  • An additional arrest was made for an open container violation, a part of our continued focus on quality-of-life enforcement throughout the Town of Ramapo.

Major Incident: Armed Robbery

A significant and violent incident occurred involving an armed robbery at the end of a residential driveway. During the altercation, the victim was pistol-whipped as they attempted to retain possession of a firearm. The suspect ultimately fled the scene with a substantial amount of cash. The victim sustained injuries and was treated at the scene.

Ramapo Police Officers and Detectives responded immediately and initiated a collaborative investigation with the New York State Police . Through coordinated efforts, a suspect was identified and located within hours.

A 42-year-old male from Middletown, NY was taken into custody and formally charged with:

  • Robbery in the First Degree

  • Assault in the Second Degree

  • Criminal Use of a Firearm in the First Degree

  • Grand Larceny in the Fourth Degree

  • Menacing in the Second Degree

The suspect is currently being processed at Ramapo Police Headquarters. Arraignment is expected later today at Hillburn Justice Court.

Our officers remain dedicated to serving and protecting the residents of Ramapo. We thank the community for its continued support and vigilance.

Ramapo Police Department

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Crime

Spring Valley Police Arrest Taxi Driver in Violent Kidnapping and Robbery Incident on Ridge Avenue

Published

2 weeks ago

on

May 16, 2025

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SPRING VALLEY, NY — In a disturbing early morning incident, Spring Valley Police responded to a report of a vehicle crash at approximately 1:45 a.m. on May 5, 2025, near 23 Ridge Avenue, only to uncover a far more serious crime involving kidnapping, assault, and attempted robbery.

Upon arrival, officers discovered a visibly injured and distressed female victim. Following a rapid investigation, authorities determined that the woman had been picked up earlier near Evergreen Supermarket by what she believed to be a taxi. During the ride, the driver began operating the vehicle erratically, refused to allow the passenger to exit, and escalated the situation into a violent criminal act.

The vehicle ultimately crashed into a fence, and the driver then attacked the victim with a screwdriver, attempting to rob her and preventing her from escaping. Despite the violent assault, the victim managed to flee the vehicle and call for help.

As the suspect attempted to flee the scene, he nearly collided head-on with another vehicle. Shortly thereafter, he was apprehended by the Ramapo Police Department.
Suspect Identified and Arrested

Following a thorough investigation by the Spring Valley Detective Bureau, 22-year-old Kevin Mazariego-Figueroa of Ramapo, NY was formally charged on May 7, 2025, with multiple serious offenses, including:

Attempted Assault (1st and 2nd Degree)

Kidnapping

Robbery (1st Degree)

Strangulation (2nd Degree)

Criminal Possession of a Weapon (4th Degree)

Mazariego-Figueroa was arraigned by Judge Sweet and remanded to the Rockland County Jail.
Community Safety and Ongoing Investigation

The Spring Valley Police Department commended the bravery of the victim and the swift coordination with Ramapo Police in apprehending the suspect. This incident serves as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance and community cooperation in ensuring public safety.

Residents are encouraged to remain cautious when using ride services and to report any suspicious activity to authorities immediately.

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