A Long Island man convicted of stabbing and stealing a funeral home director in 2023 exploded in a Suffolk County courtroom on Wednesday. He fired his lawyer, suspended the prosecutor, called the judge “devil,” and called the “devil” before sentenced to 25 years in prison.
Jason Funderberg, 39, who was found guilty in ju in March, rushed into court on Wednesday, attempting to deny his authority to sentence him. The prosecutor spoke and every time the judge had him say “shut up.”
“I’m not being declared today,” Funderburke claimed at the top of his lungs that the state had presented “no evidence” of his guilt.
“You were convicted by a fellow jury,” replied a confused Judge Timothy Matsuzei.
Funderburke, a native of Hempstead, began screaming at judges, rattling down random cherry pick sections of state and federal law, accusing the court of violating his first and fourth rights of amendment.
He also refused to address the judge with respect, calling him “Mr. Mazzei” instead, because he “is not an honor.”
“Would you like to shut up?” The judge finally snapped to Funderburke and briefly took him out of court before bringing him back for the final sentence.
His lawyer asked the judge to take into account his client’s “clear and serious mental health issues” during the trial.
“You don’t represent me! I represent myself,” he cried.
Eventually, the judge proceeded to sentence Funderburke, in his rebellious cry and objection, sentenced him to 25 years and kicked him out of court.
“Have a good day,” Funderburke said ironically as he was dragged away by the judge.
“That’s better than you,” Matsuzei shot.
“No, you’re a demon so I won’t do that,” the convicted man cried out to the judge as he was taken away.
The unidentified director of Amityville Funeral Home was entering the business on August 23, 2023 when Funderburke and his accomplice were rushed to the business.
Funderburke and his accomplices showed the owner a photo of his family and asked the funeral home owner to empty his pockets while waving a knife.
When he refused, Funderburke and his accomplice stabbed him twice, stealing his wallet and phone, the DA said.
The unidentified victim survived the stab wound.
“We will not tolerate violent attacks in Suffolk County,” District Attorney Ray Tierney said. “The three-time convicted felon chose to steal and stab the funeral home owner.
“Let us make it clear that we will do everything in our power to protect our citizens from violent criminals. This statement ensures that the defendant’s Funderburke will no longer be able to hurt our residents.”
