Derrick Clancy arraigned in violent Mastic Beach home invasions targeting 2 women in their 70s
MASTIC BEACH, N.Y. -- Derrick Clancy, the man accused in two violent home invasions on Long Island, appeared before a judge Monday.
The 42-year-old, who is homeless, insisted he wanted to plead guilty, but the judge told him that wasn't allowed during the arraignment.
Clancy was arrested in two brutal attacks on women in their 70s, each alone in their Mastic Beach homes earlier this month.
The son of one 78-year-old victim, who was beaten and sexually assaulted, said he's relieved but alarmed.
Clancy has a long arrest record with a prior conviction for rape. He is a registered sex offender on probation.
"What is he still doing walking the streets?... This justice system needs to be changed," said the victim's son. "She is healing, but she is psychologically not well from this... I'm very angry and I want this guy locked up and locked up for a long, long time."
Despite Clancy's wishes, his court appointed attorney entered a not guilty plea Monday, and the judge ordered a mental health examination.
Prosecutors said Clancy used a ladder to enter the victims' windows in the middle of the night with intent to rape the women.