A 75-year-old woman was left unconscious inside her Williston Park home after what police describe as a sustained and violent assault by her own son, who allegedly choked her and demanded to know why she was still alive. The confrontation, which unfolded Wednesday evening, ended with the suspect in custody and the victim hospitalized with head injuries.
WILLISTON PARK, NY – A Long Island man is facing attempted murder and multiple assault charges after Nassau County police say he attacked his elderly mother during an argument that escalated into violence inside their Broad Street home.
According to the Nassau County Police Department, officers responded at about 5:40 p.m. Wednesday after a dispute between John Strano, 37, and his 75-year-old mother “became violent.” Police said Strano “pushed the victim to the ground and repeatedly slammed her head to the ground,” then “continued to punch her in the face numerous times,” choked her, and “struck her head with a blunt metal object.”
Alleged statements during assault
During the attack, Strano allegedly shouted, “Why are you still breathing?” and “Why aren’t you dying?” according to prosecutors cited by News 12 Long Island. Authorities said the assault continued until the woman lost consciousness.
Prosecutors further alleged that Strano used a metal clamp to strike his mother in the back of the head.
After the incident, police said Strano fled the residence. Responding officers located him nearby, took him into custody, and transported him to a hospital for evaluation.
Victim hospitalized, suspect charged
The victim sustained lacerations and swelling to her face and head and was transported to a hospital, where she was listed in stable condition.
Strano has been charged with second-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree assault, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, police said.
He pleaded not guilty during a court appearance, according to local reports.
Williston Park is located in Nassau County on Long Island, about 22 miles east of Manhattan.