Dutchess Man Who Smothered His Own 17-Year-Old Sister Learns His Fate

VILLAGE OF MILLBROOK, NY — A Hudson Valley man who victimized his own family will spend years behind bars.

Dutchess County District Attorney Anthony Parisi announced on Tuesday that 34-year-old Mark Dedaj was sentenced to 25 years in state prison and five years of post-release supervision after his plea in January to felony first-degree manslaughter for causing the death of his 17-year-old sister, Maureen Nelson-Lanzi.

"This was a brutal and deeply tragic act of violence within a family that resulted in the loss of a precious young life," Parisi said. "For too long, this case went without action, and today's sentence makes clear that justice will not be denied simply because time has passed. Our Office made the deliberate decision to move this case forward because the facts demanded accountability. While no sentence can undo this loss, this outcome ensures the defendant is held responsible and provides a measure of justice for the victim and her loved ones. We remain committed to pursuing justice in every case, no matter how difficult, and no matter how long it takes."

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.

The case was investigated by the New York State Police and was prosecuted by Senior Assistant DA Anthony DeFazio and Unit Chief Angela LoPane.