Nassau Man Pleads Guilty To Murdering Mother, Sister With Hammer

HEMPSTEAD, NY — A Hempstead man pleaded guilty today to murder for a 2017 attack with a hammer which left his mother, sister and a family friend dead, as well as another injured.

Bobby Vanderhall, 37, of Hempstead, pleaded guilty to first-degree murder and second-degree attempted murder for the crime. He is due back in court for sentencing on Dec. 17, and is expected to get 50 years to life in prison.

“Bobby Vanderhall brutally attacked his mother, sister, and his sister’s friend in an act of family violence that tragically resulted in their deaths,” said Acting Nassau County District Attorney Joyce Smith. “Our thoughts continue to be with the Vanderhall and Simpson families as they mourn their loved ones and try to heal from this devastating loss.”

According to Smith, around 1 a.m. on Aug. 12, 2017, Vanderhall forced his way into his family's home in Hempstead with a hammer and a screwdriver. He used the hammer to murder his mother, Lynn, his sister, Melissa, and his sister's friend, Janel Simpson. He also used kitchen knives to stab his mother and sister multiple times.

A fourth woman was in the home and also attacked, but was able to escape and notify police. She suffered wounds to her wrist, arm and head.

Vanderhall fled the scene and was arrested a few hours later by Nassau County detectives.