Man Arraigned For Shooting His Mother, Father On Christmas: DA

HEWLETT, NY — A man was arraigned on charges today in connection to shooting his mother and father in their Hewlett home on Christmas Day, Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly announced.

Dino Tomassetti, 30, of Brooklyn, was arraigned on multiple charges including, two counts of second-degree attempted murder, two counts of first-degree assault and two counts of second-degree criminal possession of a weapon.

He pleaded not guilty and is due back in court on Feb. 23, the news release said.

"A holiday morning traditionally marked by peace and joy was shattered when Dino Tomassetti allegedly entered his parents’ home on Christmas Day, began arguing with his family, and shot them both," Donnelly said in a statement. "The defendant allegedly fled the scene and was apprehended later that day in New Jersey. The victims have made remarkable strides in their recovery and are lucky to be alive today."

According to the indictment, Tomassetti arrived at his parent's home at 9:30 on Christmas morning allegedly armed with a loaded revolver. After an argument with his mother and his ex-girlfriend about Tomassetti’s young son, the DA's office said, he allegedly took out the gun and shot his mother in the head. Tomassetti is also accused of shooting his father in the back and in the wrist, before fleeing the home.

The victims both underwent surgery for their injuries at South Nassau Communities Hospital and have since been released.

If convicted of the top charge, the Tomassetti faces a potential maximum of up to 25 years in prison, the DA's office said.