DA Hoovler: Guilty Plea in Violent Domestic Assault

March 28, 2023

Defendant Pled to Top Charge as Trial was About to Commence

Defendant Faces up to Seven Years in Prison

Orange County District Attorney David M. Hoovler announced that on Monday, March 27, 2023, Steven Lillo, 39, of Newburgh, pled guilty in Orange County Court before the Honorable Craig Stephen Brown to Assault in the Second Degree.  The plea was entered immediately before a trial in the matter was scheduled to commence.  Under the plea agreement announced on the record at the time that Lillo pled guilty, the Court did not commit to a promised sentence, and Lillo faces upto seven (7) years in prison when he is sentenced on July 18, 2023.

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 insidious and intolerable,” said District Attorney David M. Hoovler. “While this defendant perpetrated his brutality behind closed doors, the brave actions of the victims in the case ensured that his crimes were brought to light.  I urge all victims of domestic violence to come forward 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.