'Never going to give up': Family of slain detective renews push for justice in cold case

Thirty years of heartbreak has not broken the Wustenhoff family's determination to seek justice.

News 12 Staff

Feb 15, 2020, 6:23 PM

Updated 1,531 days ago

Share:

Thirty years of heartbreak has not broken the Wustenhoff family's determination to seek justice.
Dennis Wustenhoff, a Suffolk County police officer who worked as an undercover narcotics detective, was killed by a car bomb on Feb. 15, 1990. The car had been parked in front of his North Patchogue home, and the sophisticated pipe bomb had been placed under his front seat.
Wustenhoff was pronounced dead. No one was ever arrested in the case.
Three decades later, his widow Fran and children Melissa, Jennifer and Kevin say that it's time that the perpetrator is brought to justice.
"Somebody is out there that is responsible for this, enjoying their life, maybe having kids, grandkids, happy moments, weddings," says Melissa. "And we had to spend the past 30 years with somebody missing that whole time."
“You grow up trying so hard to forget this awful horrific thing happened, but it’s like a cancer in your chest,” says Kevin Wustenhoff.
News 12 questioned Suffolk County police about the status of the Wustenhoff homicide investigation. At first, officials would only say that the investigation is ongoing, with no further information. But after the exclusive story aired on News 12 with the victim's family demanding justice, the Suffolk County Police Department announced a $10,000 reward for information in the case that leads to an arrest, and the FBI agreed to review evidence in the case.
"We have sat and waited, and waited, and waited -- police commissioner after police commissioner, officer after officer - they all told us they want this. Do they?" says Wustenhoff's daughter Jen.
Wustenhoff’s family has also created a Facebook page to share their story.
Anyone with information on the case can call Suffolk County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-220-TIPS.
 
 


More from News 12
0:49
Nassau County says it will rework its lease approval process in effort to build resort and casino

Nassau County says it will rework its lease approval process in effort to build resort and casino

1:51
Sunny and cool today; spotty showers possible this weekend

Sunny and cool today; spotty showers possible this weekend

0:18
Police: East Northport man killed in motorcycle cash in East Farmingdale

Police: East Northport man killed in motorcycle cash in East Farmingdale

0:25
Man accused of illegally selling THC, cannabis products in Valley Stream

Man accused of illegally selling THC, cannabis products in Valley Stream

2:01
Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America hosts special event at Cradle of Aviation Museum

Nassau/Suffolk Autism Society of America hosts special event at Cradle of Aviation Museum

1:53
Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

Shop Mother’s Day Gifts – Exclusive Offers Up to 75% OFF!

1:48
Ducks posthumously honor co-owner during Opening Day

Ducks posthumously honor co-owner during Opening Day

2:01
Students take part in pro-Palestinian protest at Hofstra University

Students take part in pro-Palestinian protest at Hofstra University

1:56
Superintendent: Person accused of making threats to Islip School District in custody

Superintendent: Person accused of making threats to Islip School District in custody

1:54
South Setauket father charged for allegedly abusing infant son

South Setauket father charged for allegedly abusing infant son

1:27
East Meadow School District: Nesconset man accused of lewd act worked as social worker

East Meadow School District: Nesconset man accused of lewd act worked as social worker

2:35
Law enforcement resumes search in Manorville in connection with Gilgo Beach case

Law enforcement resumes search in Manorville in connection with Gilgo Beach case

0:36
11 LIRR employees suspended without pay, accused of submitting fake COVID-19 vaccine cards

11 LIRR employees suspended without pay, accused of submitting fake COVID-19 vaccine cards

0:27
Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov help Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders 3-2 for 3-0 series lead

Brent Burns, Dmitry Orlov help Hurricanes hold on to beat Islanders 3-2 for 3-0 series lead

1:13
The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

The East End: Shou Sugi Ban House in Watermill

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Ready to explore the great outdoors? These 14 tips can help you stay safe while hiking

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

2:01
Police: 21-year-old woman fled fatal Massapequa DWI crash in stolen town patrol car

Police: 21-year-old woman fled fatal Massapequa DWI crash in stolen town patrol car

0:20
Police: Hempstead man killed in 3-car crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

Police: Hempstead man killed in 3-car crash on Meadowbrook Parkway

0:21
UBS Arena to host 2024 MTV VMAs in September

UBS Arena to host 2024 MTV VMAs in September