Dr. Phil Show To Highlight Unsolved Slaying Of Long Island Cop

PATCHOGUE, NY — An episode of Dr. Phil McGraw on Wednesday will feature the family of a slain Long Island police officer whose case is still cold, but questions remain as to whether he was involved in a love triangle.

In what is billed as an exclusive interview, Dr. Phil will highlight the slaying of Det. Dennis Wustenhoff who died after his unmarked take-home car exploded outside of his home in Patchogue on Feb. 15, 1990, during an episode that will air at 3 p.m. on CBS.

At the time of his death, Wustenhoff was assigned to the Narcotics Section and he was survived by his wife, Fran, and his two daughters, Melissa and Jennifer, as well as his son, Kevin, who followed in his footsteps in 2005. His slaying is the only unsolved killing of a Suffolk officer in the county's history.

Police at first suspected Wustenhoff was targeted by one of the criminals he was trying to have locked up, but in a "shocking twist," it seems he was having "a secret affair," and his family claims they know who killed him and are seeking justice, according to a synopsis on the show's website.

In a promo for the show, Dr. Phil can be heard saying: "Dennis Wustenhoff was killed suddenly in a mysterious car bomb. Nobody has been arrested. Nobody has been prosecuted. The murderer is walking free."

"Do you have a feeling about what happened here?" he asks.

In the clip, Wustenhoff's wife, Fran, then answers: "I know what happened."

In a post on Facebook, Suffolk's Police Benevolent Society wrote that the organization is "still hopeful those with the keys to unlocking this mystery will come forward and finally give the Wustenhoff family closure."

"Help us finally bring justice for Detective Dennis Wustenhoff by watching Dr. Phil on Nov 10th and spreading the word about this unsolved murder," the post concluded.

In February 2020, former Police Commissioner Geraldine Hart announced that the Federal Bureau of Investigation "agreed to review information and evidence" in Suffolk's investigation and will offer a "fresh perspective" to the 30-year-old case.

Crime Stoppers also pledged a $10,000 fast cash reward for information leading to an arrest. Fast cash rewards are issued by Crime Stoppers within 72 hours of an arrest.

Hart said that it is important "the department takes advantage of every resource available," adding, "Detective Wustenhoff’s family, along with colleagues from the department, deserve justice in this case."

Crime Stoppers President Nick Amarr said the organization is "hopeful" the fast cash reward "will prompt someone with information about this case to come forward."

“We urge anyone who believes they have details about Detective Wustenhoff’s death to contact police," he said.

Anyone with information about the slaying can contact Crime Stoppers to submit an anonymous tip by calling 1-800-220-TIPS, a confidential police hotline, or by using a mobile app that can be downloaded through the App Store or Google Play by searching P3 Tips. Tips can also be submitted online at www.P3Tips.com.

All calls, text messages, and emails will be kept confidential, police said.