Fatal DWI trial begins

Friends and family of the victims sat and listened in a Nassau County courtroom on Monday as the jury heard some of the gruesome details of a car crash on Hempstead Turnpike that resulted in the death of two East Meadow brothers.

Investigators said that on Aug. 22, 2009, ex-Marine James Farr struck and killed Joseph and Thomas Occhiogrosso near the intersection of Hempstead Turnpike and Conti Square Boulevard. According to police, Farr was over the legal blood alcohol limit at the time.

The charges against him included vehicular manslaughter and drunken driving. If convicted, Farr faces a sentence of five to 15 years in prison.

Following a lengthy preliminary legal process that included two grand juries, the case went to trial last week, beginning with opening statements on Oct. 20.

Defense attorney Greg Grizopoulos represents Farr, 33, of East Garden City.

Nassau County Assistant District Attorneys Matthew Lampert and Brendan Ahern are prosecuting the case.

For updates, visit liherald.com/eastmeadow and read next week’s issue of the Herald.