A 21-year-old Lawrence man is fighting serious charges in Nassau County after prosecutors say he fired a crossbow bolt that skimmed across his sister's face in mid-February. The 28-year-old woman was treated at a local hospital, and he remains in custody on the newly filed counts.
Arraignment and Plea
Samy Sedhom appeared in Nassau County court on Thursday and entered a not-guilty plea to attempted murder, assault and criminal possession of a weapon, among other charges, according to News 12. Prosecutors say Sedhom told investigators he had planned to "get rid of her" after ongoing arguments over the temperature inside their home.
What Prosecutors Say
According to Nassau County detectives, the confrontation unfolded as the victim returned from the gym and tried to close her garage. She was found bleeding from a cut on the right side of her face, and an arrow was later discovered lodged in the garage wall, ABC7 reports. During a later search of the home, officers say they seized the box for the crossbow, a katana samurai sword and a laptop. Prosecutors allege Sedhom admitted firing the bolt and told investigators he had been planning an attack since around Christmas.
Defense Response
Sedhom's attorney has pushed back on the attempted murder narrative, calling the incident "a prank that went horribly wrong" and saying his client struggles with an undiagnosed mental health condition, according to News 12. The defense maintains that the family does not believe he meant to kill his sister and has signaled that mental health evidence will play a central role in the case.
Legal Stakes
Prosecutors have charged Sedhom with second-degree attempted murder, first-degree assault, fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, tampering with physical evidence and first-degree stalking, and say the attempted murder count alone could carry a maximum of 25 years in prison if he is convicted, according to ABC7. Court records indicate he was ordered held without bail, and judges have issued a stay-away order protecting the victim, according to filings reviewed by Law & Crime.
Crossbow Laws and Safety
The case underscores what can happen when powerful hunting tools end up at the center of a family dispute. In 2025, New York state expanded legal crossbow use for big-game hunting while also adding safety rules and local limits, including bans in some counties on firing crossbows within 500 feet of homes and other occupied buildings, measures that officials said were intended to protect residents, according to a state release from the New York State Senate.
The case remains pending in Nassau County District Court as prosecutors and defense attorneys prepare for additional hearings, according to reporting and court filings reviewed by Law & Crime. Court documents show the matter is scheduled to return to the district court docket while investigators and lawyers continue the discovery process.
