MINEOLA, N.Y. – Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas announced today that a Lido Beach man has been indicted for the murder of an Oceanside teenager on September 16, 2019.
Tyler Flach, 19, was arraigned today before Judge Howard Sturim on charges of Murder in the Second Degree (an A-I felony), Gang Assault in the First Degree (a B violent felony), Assault in the Third Degree (an A misdemeanor) and Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Fourth Degree (an A misdemeanor).
The defendant pleaded not guilty and was remanded. Flach is due back in court on November 18 and faces a potential maximum of 25 years to life in prison if convicted of the top charge.
Flach’s seven co-defendants – Marquis Stephens, Javonte Neals, Haakim Mechan, Sean Merritt, Taj Woodruff and two juveniles – were previously arraigned on grand jury indictment charges of Gang Assault in the Second Degree (a C violent felony) and Assault in the Third Degree.
“Khaseen Morris was a bright and gregarious young man whose life was stolen in this horrific and senseless act of violence,” DA Singas said. “Our condolences are with Khaseen’s family, friends and the entire community that loved this young man.”
DA Singas said that on September 16, 2019, at approximately 3:45 p.m., Flach and the co-defendants exited a vehicle on Brower Avenue in Oceanside and walked toward a shopping center. The group allegedly attacked 16-year old Khaseen Morris and a 16-year old friend. It is alleged that Flach stabbed Morris in the heart. The second teenager was beaten and suffered a broken arm. Morris was taken to the hospital and succumbed to his injuries that night.
Flach surrendered to the Nassau County Police Department on September 18. The co-defendants surrendered on September 27.
Senior Assistant District Attorney Ania Pulaski of DA Singas’ Major Offense Bureau is prosecuting this case. Flach is represented by Edward Sapone, Esq.
Stephens is represented by William Kephart, Esq. Neals is represented by Lawrence Carra, Esq., Mechan is represented by David Haber, Esq., Sean Merritt is represented by Dennis Lemke, Esq, and Woodruff is represented by Donald Rollock, Esq.
The charges are merely accusations and the defendants are presumed innocent until and unless found guilty.
###