Shivangi Sinha
In November 1976, Joanne Lomino had planned a simple night out with her friend to watch a movie. It was an ordinary outing that would unexpectedly alter her life forever. As they stood on the porch of her home, an unknown man approached and opened fire on them. He was later identified as the infamous Son of Sam killer, who was convicted of a series of murders across New York. In Netflix’s ‘Conversations With a Killer: The Son of Sam Tapes,’ Joanne’s brother, John Lomino, recalled the horrific event that unfolded before his eyes and spoke about the lasting impact it had on his sister.
Joanne Lomino Had Returned From a Movie With a Friend When She Was Shot
Joanne Lomino had completed her graduation from Martin Van Buren High School in Queens, New York, in 1975. She was actively searching for a job as a secretary, but with no promising prospects, she was spending her time exploring opportunities. Her close friend Donna DeMasi, who lived nearby and was a year younger, was still in school, but the two shared a strong friendship. Joanne had planned a fun evening for them to see a movie together, and on November 27, 1976, the girls went out as planned and returned home later that night. It was past midnight when they sat on the porch of Joanne’s house in Bellerose, Queens, and were enjoying a conversation and each other’s company.
At that moment, a man suddenly appeared on the lawn behind them. Joanne had her back turned to him and only slightly turned her head when he began asking for an address. Before he could even finish speaking, he pulled out a gun and opened fire. The first bullet struck Joanne in the spine, causing her to collapse instantly. As both girls lay on the ground, the man fired several more shots before fleeing the scene. Joanne’s family, hearing the commotion, rushed outside and immediately took the girls to Long Island Jewish Medical Center. There, doctors discovered that a bullet was lodged in Joanne’s back, which left her paralyzed from the waist down.
Joanne Lomino Passed Away Years After the Attack
Joanne spent several weeks in the hospital, and it was an incredibly difficult time for her family. While she eventually recovered from the physical injuries, the psychological scars never truly healed. Being unable to walk again and confined to a wheelchair weighed heavily on her spirit. Her brother recalled how painful it was to watch her transformation from a vibrant, lively young woman who embraced life with joy, mischief, and spontaneity, to someone who seemed to have lost that spark entirely. Over time, her health declined, and she eventually passed away. Her family has chosen not to disclose the exact details surrounding her death, but they believe that the shooting irreversibly altered the course of her life and ultimately led to her passing. Joanne now rests in peace and lives on in the hearts of everyone who knew and loved her.
Read More: Rosemary Keenan: What Happened to the Son of Sam Survivor?
