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A Dutchess County man has been sentenced to 25 years in prison for killing his teenage sister in their Millbrook home. On Monday (April 21), a judge handed down the sentence to Mark Dedaj, 34, after he pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter for causing the death of his 17-year-old sister, Maureen Nelson-Lanzi, in 2021. Dedaj admitted to smothering Nelson-Lanzi to death at their residence on Harts Village Road on September 4, 2021.
According to the Dutchess County District Attorney's Office, Dedaj's plea deal means he will serve 25 years in state prison, followed by five years of post-release supervision. The District Attorney, Anthony Parisi, described the crime as "a brutal and heartbreaking act of violence within a family" and said, "our office made the deliberate decision to take action, because the loss of this victim’s life demanded accountability." He added that the 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" (Poughkeepsie Journal, Millerton News, MSN/Daily Freeman).
The Dutchess County District Attorney’s office took up the case after the prior administration declined to prosecute. The office underscored its commitment to seeking justice in even the most challenging cases.
Dedaj's conviction stems from his admission that he suffocated his sister by pressing her face into a pillow until she could not breathe. The case was investigated by state police and prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Anthony DeFazio and Unit Chief Angela LoPane.
With sentencing now complete, Dedaj will begin serving his 25-year term. The District Attorney's office emphasized that while no sentence can undo the tragedy, the punishment ensures Dedaj is held responsible for his actions.