Police lights at scene of crime - file photo © fernando gregory | dreamstime. Com
Police lights at scene of crime - File photo © Fernando Gregory | Dreamstime.com

Long Island man accused of trying to kill mother during violent Broad Street attack

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.

Shore News Network

Phil Stilton is the Editor and Publisher of Shore News Network, an independent digital newsroom providing original reporting on New Jersey, national news, government, public policy, public safety, courts, and community affairs.

As founder of the publication, Stilton leads editorial strategy, investigative reporting, and daily newsroom operations while overseeing coverage that reaches millions of readers annually.

With extensive experience covering municipal government, county government, state legislatures, elections, law enforcement, emergency management, and public records, Stilton specializes in translating complex government actions into clear, factual reporting. His work frequently relies on primary source documents, including court filings, legislation, public meeting records, election finance disclosures, government databases, police reports, and Freedom of Information and Open Public Records Act (OPRA) requests. He has reported extensively on local government accountability, taxpayer spending, campaign finance, public corruption investigations, infrastructure, public safety, and the policies affecting New Jersey residents.

Under Stilton's editorial leadership, Shore News Network has grown into one of New Jersey's largest independent digital news organizations, publishing thousands of original news articles each year while providing breaking news coverage, investigative reporting, and analysis across state and local government. The publication's reporting is routinely sourced from official government agencies, public officials, court records, and firsthand documentation, with a commitment to transparency, attribution, corrections when warranted, and clearly distinguishing factual reporting from opinion.

Stilton's journalism follows established newsroom standards emphasizing accuracy, verification, fairness, and accountability. Every effort is made to verify information through official records and multiple reliable sources before publication. His reporting is intended to provide readers with timely, well-documented information that helps them understand the issues affecting their communities, while maintaining editorial independence from political parties, government agencies, advocacy organizations, and commercial interests.

Readers can submit story tips, corrections, public records, or media inquiries through the official Shore News Network website or its verified social media channels. Shore News Network welcomes corrections and updates when new information becomes available as part of its ongoing commitment to accurate and transparent journalism.