District Attorney Hoovler: State Prison Sentence in Domestic Assault

Defendant Sentenced to Four Years in Prison

Defendant Pled to Top Charge as Trial was About to Commence

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Monday, July 24, 2023, Steven Lillo, 39, of Newburgh, was sentenced to four years in state prison and three years of post-release supervision in Orange County Court by the Honorable Craig Stephen Brown.  Lillo had previously pleaded guilty, on the eve of trial, to Assault in the Second Degree.  

As alleged in documents filed and statements made in court, in the early morning hours of July 25, 2021, Lillo engaged in an argument with his wife at their shared residence.  During the course of the argument, Lillo retrieved a BB gun and shot his wife in the head five (5) times at close range and once in the hand, causing BBs to become lodged in her head.  Lillo then repeatedly pistol whipped her with the BB gun, causing lacerations to her forehead.  Lillo and the victim’s shared seven (7) year old child observed part of the altercation and was the one to call the police.  At the plea proceedings, Lillo admitted to using the BB gun to cause his wife physical injury.

District Attorney Hoovler thanked the Town of Newburgh Police Department whose investigation led to the arrest of Lillo. 

“Domestic violence is inexcusable and intolerable,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “This defendant will serve hard prison time after being convicted of brutally assaulting the victim in this matter.  I urge all victims of domestic violence tocontinue to come forward, as this victim so bravely did, and to know that there are resources and support available to them from my Office and agencies such as Fearless! Hudson Valley.  I applaud the work of the police and prosecutors that brought this defendant to justice.” 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District AttorneyNicholas Mangold. 

This criminal charge is merely an allegation that a defendant has committed a violation of the criminal law, and it is not evidence of guilt. All defendants are presumed innocent and entitled to a fair trial, during which it will be the State of New York’s burden to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.