Dutchess Man Admits Smothering His Own 17-Year-Old Sister

VILLAGE OF MILLBROOK, NY — A Hudson Valley man who victimized his own family has admitted his guilt in a Dutchess County courtroom.

Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi announced on Thursday that 34-year-old Mark Dedaj pleaded guilty to felony first-degree manslaughter for causing the death of his sister.

He is expected to received 25 years in state prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision, during sentencing on March 26.

On September 4, 2021, at their Harts Village Road home, in the Village of Millbrook, Dedaj smothered 17-year-old Maureen Nelson-Lanzo to death.

"This was a brutal and heartbreaking act of violence within a family, and it is a case that the prior administration chose not to pursue," DA Parisi said. "Our office made the deliberate decision to take action, because the loss of this victim's life demanded accountability. This plea holds the defendant responsible for his actions, ensures a measure of justice, and spares the victim's loved ones the pain of reliving this tragedy through a trial. We remain steadfast in our commitment to pursing justice, even in the most difficult cases."