Joel Sicon-Porix, a 38-year-old father of three, was killed when a 7-Eleven employee allegedly plowed his Toyota Camry into a construction crew at high speed without braking, according to Suffolk County prosecutors. Thomas Lobianco, 26, faces upgraded charges including aggravated vehicular homicide after authorities claim he was impaired on drugs when he ran a red light in Nesconset, New York, on the morning of Aug. 10.
Background
Lobianco was reportedly leaving his overnight shift at the convenience store when he got behind the wheel to head home. Surveillance video reviewed by detectives captured the 26-year-old inside the 7-Eleven swaying, stumbling, nearly falling multiple times, and nodding in and out of consciousness throughout his shift. A customer present during the shift told local media that Lobianco appeared "so high, he didn't even know how he was working the cash register."
The drive home, which occurred before 7 a.m., was described by prosecutors as erratic. Lobianco allegedly stopped at a green light before proceeding after a driver behind him honked his horn. As he continued down the road, he drifted to the side and eventually crossed a double yellow line, mounting the sidewalk where Sicon-Porix and two colleagues were working in an area marked by construction signs and reflective vests.
The Investigation
Suffolk County police responded to the crash scene and reported that Lobianco exhibited signs of impairment. Officers allegedly discovered cannabis, clonazepam, and drug paraphernalia in his backpack. District Attorney Ray Tierney stated that the workers "never stood a chance" against the speeding vehicle. Sicon-Porix died from his injuries at the hospital, while his two colleagues sustained serious injuries requiring emergency surgery.
Lobianco’s attorney, Robert Macedonio, has contested the severity of the impairment, stating that further toxicology reports are needed to determine his client’s exact level of intoxication at the time of the collision. Despite the defense's position, prosecutors have moved forward with the upgraded charges based on the surveillance evidence and physical findings.
The Charges
Lobianco has been charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, manslaughter, vehicular assault, and 16 other counts related to the incident. He pleaded not guilty to all 19 charges during his court appearance. The court set his bail at $7.5 million cash, $15 million bond, or a $30 million partially secured bond.
Key Takeaways
- Thomas Lobianco, 26, was charged with aggravated vehicular homicide and manslaughter after allegedly killing construction worker Joel Sicon-Porix.
- Prosecutors claim Lobianco was high on drugs, citing surveillance video showing him stumbling and losing consciousness during his 7-Eleven shift.
- Police allegedly found cannabis, clonazepam, and drug paraphernalia in Lobianco's backpack.
- Lobianco pleaded not guilty to 19 charges and is being held on $7.5 million cash bail.
- Two other construction workers were seriously injured in the crash, which occurred in Nesconset, New York.
What's Next
Lobianco’s next court date is scheduled for Oct. 14. The investigation will likely focus on finalizing toxicology reports to establish the extent of Lobianco's impairment, while the defense continues to challenge the prosecution's characterization of his state of mind during the fatal drive.