NY S01042

Creates a new first-degree assault offense for persons 14 years or older who intentionally strike an unsuspecting person on the head to render them unconscious, or who aid or encourage such an attack, causing physical or serious physical injury

Adds a new first-degree gang assault provision for the same head-strike conduct when aided or encouraged by two or more persons actually present

Establishes a new first-degree manslaughter charge when such head-strike attacks result in the victim's death

Excludes persons convicted of these new offenses from youthful offender status, preventing their convictions from being replaced with youthful offender findings

Increases the maximum aggregate sentence for juvenile offenders convicted of these new crimes from 15 years to 25 years for consecutive sentences, and requires sentencing under standard felony guidelines rather than juvenile offender provisions