LI Man Sentenced In Drunken Crash That Killed 3 Relatives: NCDA

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — A Freeport man was sentenced to six to 18 years in prison after he killed three family members and injured three others during a drunken high-speed crash in New Hyde Park in May 2022, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly announced Monday.

Dante Lennon, 23, pleaded guilty March 5 to one count of aggravated vehicular homicide, three counts of second-degree manslaughter, three counts of second-degree assault, three counts of third-degree assault, and driving while intoxicated. The NCDA recommended a sentence of seven to 21 years in prison.

On May 21, 2022, around 11:10 p.m., Lennon was driving a Mercedes Benz at a high speed — at approximately twice the 35 mph speed limit — while intoxicated on Jericho Turnpike in New Hyde Park, Donnelly said.

Lennon was driving east when he broadsided a Lincoln Town Car and rear-ended a parked Ram pickup truck, investigators said. The force of the impact killed Marlene Luu, 66; Hoa Ho, 68; and Tu Nguyen, 41, prosecutors said. The crash also injured three men in the car, ages 72, 42, and 67, the DA said.

The occupants of the car were all relatives who were leaving a sweet 16 party at the Inn in New Hyde Park, authorities said.

"Marlene Luu and Hoa Ho were friends from childhood, loving mothers who were cornerstones of their families," Donnelly said in a news release. "Tu Nguyen was a wife and mother to a young child. They were tragically taken from their loved ones when Dante Lennon sped down Jericho Turnpike and slammed into their Town Car, killing them and injuring three other passengers. A sweet 16 party — an exciting milestone marked by family and friends — became a nightmare for these families, who continue to struggle with the pain, grief, and loss of these beloved women. We continue to keep Marlene, Hoa, and Tu in our thoughts as this defendant is sentenced."

Lennon was arrested by members of the Nassau County Police Department at the scene of the crash. He is represented by Robert Schalk.

"Today marked a difficult day for all parties involved," Schalk told Patch. "Mr. Lennon took responsibility for his role in the tragic events of May 22, 2022. He expressed deep remorse to the family prior to sentence and we hope with time today brought some closure to all. Dante has never been in trouble before and comes from a wonderful supportive family who will be there to help him when his sentence is complete."