POUGHKEEPSIE – A second teen pled guilty to manslaughter in Dutchess County Court on Wednesday.
Anthony Puccio, 18, of East Fishkill was the second to enter the plea in the case. Paul Mauro, 16, also of East Fishkill, entered the same plea on April 26.
The plea was accepted by Judge Edward McLoughlin who was sitting as a Youth Part judge due to Mauro being 16 at the time of the crime.
District Attorney William Grady says both teens agreed to steal marijuana from the victim, 15-year-old Wilson Santiago, from whom they said they wanted to buy pot.
As the transaction was taking place at Puccio’s SUV, he grabbed the marijuana through the window of the vehicle and sped away. Santiago was dragged while holding on to the vehicle and fell after being punched by Mauro, causing him to fall from the vehicle and striking his head on the pavement fracturing his skull.
Both teens are expected to be sentenced next month with the DA’s office recommended four to 12 years in state prison for each “as a result of this senseless tragedy,” said Grady.
