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Man Accused Of Robbing, Beating 3 Queens Women With Hammer


By

Rebecca Fishbein

Published Apr 25, 2014

Modified Apr 25, 2014


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By

Rebecca Fishbein

Published Apr 25, 2014

Modified Apr 25, 2014


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An ex-convict was arrested this week after allegedly bashing three women in the head with a hammer and then robbing them in their Astoria apartment.

Cops say that 29-year-old Lawrence Parsons, who is homeless, entered the victims' first-floor residence at the Marine Terrace Apartments in Astoria at about 2:40 a.m. on Sunday. According to authorities, he stole a laptop, iPad and cellphone and fled—but not before he hit the three women living in the apartment in the head with a hammer.

According to the NYPD, the women suffered broken skulls in the attack. Someone managed to contact 911, and all three victims were transported to area hospitals. The eldest victim was listed in critical condition, and the younger two are listed in stable condition.

The Post identifies the women as Ilene Picota, 53, and daughters Dawn Picota and Miriam Ozzimo. Dawn Picota, who allegedly knew her assailant, has reportedly suffered a broken left orbital bone and has lost eyesight in her left eye. And disturbingly, Ozzimo says she "felt someone kiss her on the forehead" after she was hit in the skull.

Parsons, who has 20 prior convictions for assault, robbery and other charges, was arrested this week. He is expected to be charged with first-degree attempted murder and assault, in addition to other charges.

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