A 25-year-old West Babylon man is under arrest in connection with a December 2024 carjacking in Deer Park that left 65-year-old Donald Klune dead, police said. The suspect, identified as Jason Buttchampagne, faces murder and robbery charges and was being held overnight at the Sixth Precinct before an expected Tuesday arraignment in Central Islip.
According to Suffolk County Police, Buttchampagne was charged with Murder in the Second Degree and Robbery in the First Degree in connection with the December 11 assault and robbery of Klune. Police said he was taken into custody in West Babylon and is scheduled to be arraigned at First District Court in Central Islip on May 12.
The 2024 attack
Investigators say the violence unfolded on Brook Avenue, where Klune was sitting in a 2009 Mitsubishi when at least one person approached, pulled him from the vehicle and physically assaulted him. He was rushed to a nearby hospital and died two days later, as first reported in December 2024 by Patch.
In its update on the case, Suffolk County Police reiterated that “a criminal charge is an accusation. A defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty” and noted that the investigation remains active.
Broader crackdown on carjackings
The arrest comes as Suffolk authorities intensify their push against organized carjacking and robbery crews across Long Island. Earlier this year, the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office announced indictments in a multi-defendant investigation into a carjacking and armed robbery ring, highlighting an ongoing focus on vehicle theft and violent robbery, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney's Office.
Detectives say the Klune investigation is still active and are asking anyone with information to contact the Homicide Squad at 631-852-6392 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS. Those tip lines were previously listed in coverage of the case by Patch.
