Reward Increased To $30K For Info On Death Of Det. Wustenhoff

PATCHOGUE, NY — Thirty-one years after the killing of Detective Dennis Wustenhoff at his Patchogue home, Suffolk police announced they will now be offering a $30,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the person or people responsible for his death.

On Feb. 15, 1990, Wustenhoff died after a bomb exploded while he tried to start his unmarked police vehicle that was parked in front of his house.

Wustenhoff, who was assigned to the Narcotics Section at the time of his death, was survived by his wife; Fran, two daughters; Melissa and Jennifer; and a son, Kevin, who joined the department in 2005.

"We believe someone out there has information that could help solve this case and I would like to thank Suffolk County Crime Stoppers for their assistance to help bring the person or people responsible to justice,” Suffolk Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart said. "The department continues to utilize every available resource, including working with the FBI, to solve this case."

Anyone with information can contact Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, using the P3 Tips mobile app, or online at www.P3Tips.com. All calls, text messages and emails will be kept confidential.

"It is particularly important to solve this case as Detective Wustenhoff was killed in the line of duty and no one has been held accountable for his murder," Suffolk County Crime Stoppers Vice President Pat Fazio said. "We are hopeful the increase in reward money will prompt someone to come forward with information."

Last year, his daughter Melissa started a Facebook group to try and get more information on the case. She stated at the time that the biggest developments in years in the cold case have brought renewed hope and optimism to the grieving family.