Family members of assaulted restaurant employee appear in court

ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10) - Lucas Healey appeared in Albany County Court Friday morning after being convicted by a jury in January on robbery and assault charges stemming from an incident that took place in May of 2024. Healey attacked Shogun Sushi restaurant co-owner Su Wen Zheng, leaving him with brain injuries and lifelong health issues. Zheng was punched in the face after trying to intervene after Healey racked up a $400 tab, paid $50, and attempted to leave without paying the rest of the bill.

The proceeding got off to a late start after Judge Roger McDonough was informed that the state requested Healey be recognized as a persistent felon given his criminal history.

"It would open a possible sentence to the court, if the court found the defendant to be a discretionary persistent felon, of a life sentence," McDonough said.

The defense objected to the prosecutor’s request, and now the Attorney General’s Office will determine if Healey is a persistent felon before he can be sentenced. Still, Judge McDonough allowed the wife of the victim to address the court. Her statement was made in Mandarin and translated by the prosecutor.

"The fear and trauma have left nothing but a permanent mark on me," Zheng's wife read. "My husband's previous way of life is gone. His right arm and leg are uncontrollable. Once a pillar of our family, now he is trapped in silence and suffering."

Healey is expected back in court to be sentenced at 10 a.m. on May 30.