Freeport Man Sentenced to Up to 18 Years in Prison for Drunken Crash

A Freeport man has been sentenced to six to 18 years in prison for a drunken high-speed crash in May 2022 in New Hyde Park, which resulted in the deaths of three family members and injuries to three others.

Dante Lennon, 23, pleaded guilty on March 5, 2024, before Judge Tammy Robbins to charges including Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, Manslaughter, Assault in the Third Degree, and Driving While Intoxicated.

The Nassau County District Attorney recommended a sentence of seven to 21 years, but the defendant received six to 18 years.

“Marlene Luu and Hoa Ho were friends from childhood, loving mothers who were cornerstones of their families. 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 drunk and slammed into their Town Car killing them and injuring three other passengers,” DA Anne Donnelly stated in a release.

“A sweet sixteen 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.

On May 21, 2022, at approximately 11:08 p.m., Lennon was driving a Mercedes Benz at approximately twice the 35-mile-per-hour speed limit on Jericho Turnpike while intoxicated. He broadsided a Lincoln Town Car and rear-ended a parked Ram pickup truck, resulting in the deaths of Marlene Luu, 66; Hoa Ho, 68; and Tu Nguyen, 41, and injuring three men, ages 72, 42, and 67.

The crash victims, all relatives, were leaving a Sweet 16 party at the Inn in New Hyde Park. Lennon was arrested at the scene by Nassau County Police.

Deputy Bureau Chief Katie Zizza and Assistant District Attorney Nicole Vota are prosecuting the case under the supervision of Bureau Chief Michael Bushwack and Executive Assistant District Attorney for the Litigation Division Kevin Higgins. The defendant is represented by Robert Schalk, Esq.