Fatal Hempstead Turnpike DWI case goes to trial
Two East Meadow brothers died in August 2009 crash
The selection process has begun for jurors to serve on the trial of James Farr, who is accused of driving drunk and striking and killing two East Meadow brothers in August 2009. According to a spokeswoman for the Office of the Nassau County District Attorney, the trial is expected to start early next week.
Farr, 33, was a staff sergeant in the communications bureau of the 1st Marine Corps in Garden City.
The victims, Joseph and Thomas Occhiogrosso, were hit as they crossed Hempstead Turnpike near the intersection of Conti Square Boulevard at about 4:15 a.m., on Aug. 22, 2009.
Farr faces vehicular manslaughter and DWI charges that were handed down by a grand jury last December. He pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors have said that there is a maximum possible sentence of 15 years in prison.
Joseph Occhiogrosso, 28, a plumber, was known for taking care of his elderly grandmother in her East Meadow home. Thomas, 27, lived in Riverhead with his wife, Erin, and daughter, Cecilia, but had grown up in East Meadow. He was an inactive reservist in the Navy who served two tours in Iraq.
