Prosecutors say a months-long family dispute escalated into a planned ambush that left a woman seriously injured outside her home.
Mineola, NY – A 21-year-old Lawrence man has been indicted on attempted murder and multiple assault charges after prosecutors say he shot his sister in the head with a crossbow in what authorities describe as a calculated attack stemming from an ongoing dispute.
Samy Sedhom was arraigned on the charges and pleaded not guilty. He remains in custody and is scheduled to return to court on April 30. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison.
According to Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly, the alleged attack occurred on February 13 at approximately 9:20 p.m. outside the siblings’ home on West Avenue as the victim returned from the gym.
Alleged planning and ambush detailed by prosecutors
Prosecutors say the defendant had been planning the attack for months. “The defendant’s alleged actions were violent and calculated,” Donnelly said. “Sedhom allegedly tracked his sister and lain in wait before brutally attacking her with a crossbow in a clear attempt to take her life.”
Key Points
- Lawrence man indicted on attempted murder and assault charges in crossbow attack
- Prosecutors say suspect tracked sister and planned assault for months
- Victim suffered serious facial injuries but survived after emergency surgery
Authorities allege Sedhom parked across the street from the home and waited for his sister to arrive. As she entered a detached garage and attempted to close the door, he allegedly fired a hunting arrow from a high-performance crossbow, striking her in the head.
The victim sustained significant injuries to her ear, cheek, and face and was rushed to Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where she underwent emergency surgery to treat a severe laceration and stop the bleeding.
Weapon recovery and investigation findings
After the attack, prosecutors say Sedhom fled and discarded the crossbow at a nearby intersection. The weapon was later recovered by Nassau County police.
A search of the defendant’s bedroom uncovered additional items, including a katana sword, a laptop, and an empty crossbow box matching the weapon used in the attack. Investigators also allege Sedhom purchased the crossbow, arrows, and a GPS tracking device, which he installed in his sister’s vehicle prior to the incident.
“The investigation revealed the defendant had allegedly been planning to kill his sister since December 2025, after a series of arguments… over the temperature of their home’s thermostat,” Donnelly said.
Sedhom was arrested the following day by Nassau County Police Department detectives. The case is being prosecuted by the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office.
