NEW HYDE PARK, NY (PIX11) — A 23-year-old man pleaded guilty to the DWI crash that killed three women leaving a sweet sixteen party on Long Island in May of 2022, according to the Nassau County District Attorney, Anne T. Donnelly.
Dante Lennon was driving a Mercedes Benz at around 70 mph while drunk on the Jericho Turnpike around 11 p.m., according to Donnelly. Lennon hit a Lincoln town car and a parked pickup truck. The impact led to the death of Marlene Luu, 66; Hoa Ho, 68; and Tu Nguyen, 41.
“A sweet sixteen party should be a cherished memory for family, but because of this defendant’s reckless and callous disregard for other motorists, it will instead be remembered as an unbelievable tragedy,” said Donnelly. “In an instant, three family members were lost and another three injured when Dante Lennon, drunk and speeding, barreled into their Town Car. We continue to hold the family of Marlene Luu, Hoa Ho, and Tu Nguyen in our thoughts as this defendant is sentenced for his crimes.”
The women were all related and on their way home from the party. The crash also injured three men who were also in the car. All six people in the car were related, according to officials.
Lennon pleaded guilty to the following charges:
- Aggravated vehicular homicide
- Three counts of manslaughter in the second degree
- Three counts of assault in the second degree
- Three counts of assault in the third degree
- Driving while intoxicated
Officials said Lennon is expected to serve six to 18 years in prison.
Jonathan Rizk is a digital journalist who has covered local news in the New York City and Washington D.C. areas. He has been with PIX11 since August 2022. See more of his work here and follow him on Twitter.
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