Nassau County, NY – Nassau Police recently concluded an investigation into a fatal accident that took place outside the Inn at New Hyde Park. Dante Lennon, a 23-year-old man from Freeport, was sentenced to 6 to 18 years in prison for causing the tragic incident resulting in the deaths of three members of a family. Lennon pleaded guilty to several charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide, second-degree manslaughter, assault, and driving while intoxicated.
During an emotionally charged court session in Mineola, Lennon expressed his remorse before Justice Tammy Robbins of State Supreme Court of Nassau County. The defendant became so overwhelmed with emotion that the proceedings had to be paused. Lennon’s actions on the fateful night led to a catastrophic collision when he was speeding at approximately 70 mph down Jericho Turnpike, twice the legal speed limit, crashing his Mercedes-Benz into a black Lincoln Town Car. The victims, leaving a Sweet 16 party at The Inn, included Marlene Luu, 66, Hoa Ho, 68, and Tu Nguyen, 41. The accident also left three male passengers seriously injured.
Prosecutors detailed that despite Lennon claiming to have consumed only two shots and not feeling intoxicated, blood-alcohol tests contradicted his statement, proving a significant level of impairment. Karen Zizza, the prosecutor, recounted how Lennon did not even perceive the Town Car he hit.
Source: Newsday
