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An Albany man, Lucas Healey, is facing a potential prison sentence after being convicted of assault and robbery. On Monday (January 27), a jury found Healey guilty of attacking Su Wen Zheng, a co-owner of Shogun Sushi and Sake Bar, last May. Healey had attempted to leave the restaurant after paying only $50 of a $425 bill. When confronted outside, he punched Zheng, causing severe head injuries that required emergency surgery.
According to CBS6 Albany, the attack left Zheng unconscious, and he continues to recover from a traumatic brain injury. The jury's decision came after a four-day trial where they viewed surveillance footage and heard testimonies from witnesses and a neurosurgeon.
As reported by AsAmNews, Healey, 43, declined to testify in his defense. He had previously rejected a plea deal that would have resulted in a 20-year sentence. Now, he faces up to 25 years or more in state prison, with sentencing scheduled for March 28.
District Attorney Lee Kindlon praised the efforts of his team in securing the conviction, emphasizing the importance of protecting Albany's dining and nightlife scene from violence. The verdict was welcomed by the local community, including the Lark Street Business Improvement District, which sees it as a deterrent to future crimes.
News10 reported that Zheng's family, who did not attend the trial, expressed relief at the verdict. His wife, Sophia, hopes for his continued recovery. Healey's sentencing will depend on the judge's discretion regarding his status as a persistent felon.