Freeport man sentenced for fatal drunken crash in new hyde park

MINEOLA, NY – Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly today announced the sentencing of Dante Lennon, a 23-year-old from Freeport, to six to 18 years in prison for a tragic incident that resulted in the deaths of three family members and injuries to three others. The crash occurred in May 2022 on Jericho Turnpike in New Hyde Park.

Lennon, who was found to be driving under the influence and at speeds well over the legal limit, pleaded guilty to charges including Aggravated Vehicular Homicide and Manslaughter in the Second Degree. The sentencing took place before Judge Tammy Robbins, with the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office having recommended a sentence of seven to 21 years.

On the night of May 21, 2022, Lennon was driving a Mercedes Benz eastbound at a high speed when he collided with a Lincoln Town Car and subsequently a parked Ram pickup truck. The collision resulted in the deaths of Marlene Luu, 66; Hoa Ho, 68; and Tu Nguyen, 41, who were leaving a Sweet 16 party at the time. The impact also injured three other passengers in the Town Car.

DA Donnelly highlighted the profound loss suffered by the victims’ families, emphasizing that what was meant to be a celebratory occasion turned into a devastating tragedy.

Lennon was arrested at the scene by the Nassau County Police Department.

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