GREENLAWN, New York — A Long Island father has been indicted on attempted murder charges after prosecutors say he shot the mother of his two children through the window of her vehicle, leaving her paralyzed following a domestic violence incident that unfolded outside their home.
Eric Whilby, 37, of Greenlawn, is accused of shooting the 40-year-old woman at close range after allegedly becoming angry that she did not return home immediately after work. The victim survived the attack but suffered a devastating spinal cord injury that left her paralyzed, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
Prosecutors Say Argument Escalated Into Shooting
According to prosecutors, the incident occurred shortly before 1 a.m. when the victim returned home after work. Authorities allege Whilby confronted her because he was upset about the time she arrived.
As the woman drove away toward a nearby park to meet her sister, prosecutors say Whilby ran toward her vehicle and fired a single shot through the driver’s side window.
“The bullet entered the victim’s left shoulder, traveling into her spinal cord,” prosecutors said in a statement.
The victim survived the shooting but sustained permanent, life-altering injuries.
Sister Heard Gunshot During Phone Call
Investigators said the victim was speaking with her sister on the phone when the shooting occurred.
According to prosecutors, the sister heard the gunshot followed by the victim screaming for help before the call abruptly ended. Emergency responders later arrived at the scene and transported the woman to a hospital, where doctors treated her for critical injuries.
Authorities said the victim remains paralyzed as a result of the shooting.
Suspect Arrested After Police Pursuit
Following the shooting, prosecutors allege Whilby fled the area, prompting a police search that eventually led to a pursuit involving New York State Police in Westchester County.
The chase came to an end near an elementary school during a field day event. Officials said the suspect was taken into custody without further incident, and no students, staff or members of the public were injured during the arrest.
Investigators later recovered evidence connected to the case as the criminal investigation continued.
District Attorney Calls Case a Serious Domestic Violence Incident
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney condemned the alleged attack, describing it as a tragic example of domestic violence.
“This is a sobering incident of alleged domestic violence, and my office will handle it with the seriousness that it deserves,” Tierney said in a statement.
Whilby has been indicted on charges including second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, and second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.
He is being held without bail and faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
The charges against Whilby are allegations, and he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
What are your thoughts on this case? What more can communities and authorities do to help prevent domestic violence before it escalates into tragedy? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.
