A man from Long Island, New York, stands accused of attempting to murder his mother during a heated argument, during which he allegedly shouted, “Why aren’t you dying?” while strangling her.

John Strano, aged 37, faces charges of second-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree assault, criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, according to an announcement by the Nassau County Police Department. The incident reportedly took place on Wednesday.

Around 5:40 p.m. that day, a 75-year-old woman was inside her residence on Broad Street in Williston Park, New York, with her son, Strano. An argument between them escalated into violence, authorities said.

Police reported that Strano “pushed the victim to the ground and repeatedly slammed her head against the floor.” He allegedly continued by “punching her in the face multiple times,” choking her, and hitting her head with a blunt metal object.

Prosecutors revealed in court that Strano used a metal clamp to strike his mother on the back of her head, as covered by News 12 Long Island. During the alleged assault, he reportedly shouted, “Why are you still breathing?” and “Why aren’t you dying?”

After the alleged attack, Strano fled the scene, according to the police. Officers soon located him nearby, took him into custody, and transported him to a local hospital for evaluation.

The mother reportedly lost consciousness and suffered lacerations and swelling to her face and head. She was brought to a hospital and is listed as in stable condition.

Strano pleaded not guilty during his court appearance, according to the local outlet.

Williston Park is located in Nassau County, a section of Long Island about 22 miles from Manhattan.