A West Babylon man has been indicted in the savage robbery and killing of a 65-year-old amputee who prosecutors say never had a chance to defend himself during the brutal attack on a quiet Deer Park street.
Suffolk County prosecutors allege Jason Butt-Champagne, 25, yanked Donald Klune from his parked vehicle on Brook Avenue on the night of December 11th, 2024, before viciously kicking and beating the defenseless victim, then speeding away in Klune’s car and leaving him battered in the roadway.
Klune, who had only one leg, was physically unable to fight back during the violent encounter, according to investigators.
Authorities said the helpless victim was also left without his phone after the alleged attack, making it impossible for him to call for help himself.
A passing good Samaritan eventually discovered Klune lying in the street and dialed 911.
The Deer Park man was rushed to South Shore University Hospital, where he died two days later from devastating blunt force injuries, officials said.
Investigators later located Klune’s stolen vehicle in a commercial parking lot.
Police said Butt-Champagne was spotted nearby after allegedly being struck by a vehicle on Commack Road while walking in the area. Officers allegedly recovered car keys near him that were later confirmed to belong to Klune.
Following what authorities described as a lengthy investigation, Butt-Champagne was arrested May 11th and arraigned Thursday on charges including second-degree murder, first-degree robbery, assault, and possession of stolen property.
A judge ordered him held without bail pending the case. If convicted on the top charge, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
Butt-Champagne is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.