A mentally disabled man accused of murdering his father has waived his right to a preliminary hearing.
28-year-old Matthew Taranto allegedly shot his father, Sal, in the stomach several times last week.
Taranto’s attorney, Scott Miller, says his client was acting in self-defense last Tuesday. Sal allegedly came into Matthew’s bedroom with a loaded gun and threatened to shoot him. Miller says several people have come forward claiming they witnessed the former Nassau County Police Officer abuse his son in public.
Matthew was diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome as a child. He remains at the Tompkins County Jail without bail.
The prosecution has declined to comment on the case, which goes now to a grand jury.
