Suspect in Mattituck horse trainer murder pleads guilty
A man accused last year of murdering his former landlord — a longtime Mattituck horse trainer — has pleaded guilty during a court appearance Wednesday.
Brett Knight, 46, pleaded guilty to murder, attempted murder, aggravated harrassment and weapons possession charges in connection with the Sept. 24, 2013 killing of 50-year-old Ross Reisner, according to online court records.
Mr. Reisner had worked in the horse training community for more than 25 years, including many years at Maple Lane Farm on Cox Neck Road in Mattituck.
Mr. Knight allegedly shot Mr. Reisner in the chest from outside his East Setauket home while the victim was inside. Mr. Reisner’s partner, who was also home at the time of the killing, was also injured after being shot in the arm.
Authorities had said Mr. Knight purchased a motorcycle after the shooting and was rumored to be traveling “throughout the country.” He was ultimately apprehended weeks after the killing while on the run in Tennessee.
Mr. Knight pleaded guilty to all charges before Suffolk County Justice Richard Ambro and is due to be sentenced next year, online court records show.
According to a Newsday article, Justice Ambro promised to sentence him to 22 years to life in prison. Prosecutors planned to recommend a sentence of 35 years to life in prison.
