by Amityville, NY — Authorities say a Long Island couple has admitted to killing their two roommates inside an Amityville home and later disposing of the remains across several Suffolk County locations. The case, which began with the discovery of human remains in public parks, moved forward this week as both primary defendants appeared in court to accept plea agreements.
Couple Admits to Killing Roommates in Shared Amityville Home
Prosecutors said Jeffrey Mackey, 40, and Alexis Nieves, 35, lived in the same Amityville residence as the victims, Malcolm Craig Brown, 53, and Donna Conneely, 59. According to investigators, the killings occurred in 2024 during a violent incident inside the home.
During Tuesday’s hearing, both defendants formally admitted their roles in the deaths. Mackey received 22 years in prison, while Nieves was sentenced to 11 years, consistent with the plea deals negotiated between defense attorneys and the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
District Attorney Ray Tierney said the sentences took several factors into account, including the severity of the crime and background information vetted during the investigation.
“Justice in this case required balancing accountability for the harm caused with recognition of documented abuse history,” Tierney said in a statement.
While details of the alleged past abuse were referenced during the hearing, a forensic psychiatric evaluation submitted by Mackey’s legal team was sealed by the court.
Investigation Began with Remains Found in Public Parks
The investigation unfolded after a series of discoveries across Suffolk County. In late February and early March 2024, body parts belonging to Brown and Conneely were found across several locations, including Southards Pond Park in Babylon, wooded areas in West Babylon, and parts of Bethpage State Park, according to authorities.
The first discovery occurred when high school students walking near Southards Pond Park came across human remains, prompting an immediate response from law enforcement.
Additional discoveries later the same day intensified the investigation, drawing public attention and speculation before the victims were identified.
Authorities later determined that Mackey, Nieves, and two additional housemates worked together to hide evidence of the killings by dismembering the bodies and distributing the remains across multiple locations to impede police efforts.
Court Examines Abuse Claims Under State Law
The case was evaluated under the Domestic Violence Survivors Justice Act (DVSJA), a New York law enacted in 2019. The legislation allows judges to consider reduced sentences for defendants who can demonstrate that a history of domestic abuse significantly contributed to their criminal actions.
Mackey’s attorneys referenced the DVSJA during the hearing, and prosecutors confirmed that Suffolk Supreme Court Justice John Collins reviewed the sealed psychiatric report summarizing Mackey’s alleged abuse before delivering his ruling.
Although the judge cited the findings, the full report remains confidential.
Two Additional Housemates Pleaded Guilty in Related Crimes
Two other residents of the Amityville home — Steven Brown, 46, a cousin of one victim, and Amanda Wallace, 42 — also played roles in the case. Both have already pleaded guilty to felony charges connected to disposing of the remains and to a knifepoint robbery committed one week before the killings.
According to prosecutors, the robbery occurred at a Valero gas station in Copiague, where Mackey and Brown participated in the crime. As part of his plea agreement, Steven Brown admitted to serving as a lookout and is expected to be sentenced to five years in prison for first-degree robbery. Wallace is expected to receive two years in jail.
Read Also: ‘Teacher of the Year’ Gets Probation After Stalking 11-Year-Old Student and Writing 60 Love Letters
All four defendants admitted they attempted to conceal the deaths in order to delay or prevent a law enforcement investigation.
Sentencing Scheduled for January
With plea agreements now in place, all four individuals involved in the case are scheduled to return to court for formal sentencing on January 13. Prosecutors say the combined pleas allow the case to move forward while ensuring accountability for all defendants.
If you want more updates on national crime stories, public safety, and breaking news analysis, share your thoughts in the comments — and for deeper discussions on trending cases and community issues, check out mikeandjonpodcast.com.
