Queens Man Indicted In Stomping Death Of Baldwin Man: DA

MINEOLA, NY — A Queens man has been indicted for murder in connections with allegations he kicked and stomped another man’s head, causing his death after the two got into an auto accident in Baldwin back in April, Nassau District Attorney Anne Donnelly said.

Patrick Destine, 26, pleaded not guilty to charges of second-degree murder, fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, and two counts of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol.

DA Donnelly said that on April 15, at around 11 p.m., 54-year-old David McKenzie was driving his 2003 Honda near Shuman Place and Forest Avenue in Baldwin when it collided with a 2004 Infiniti driven by Destine and carrying two passengers, including co-defendant, Aisha Pitt, causing damage to both vehicles.

After the crash, the McKenzie began to walk away from the crash site and Destine followed him, and then allegedly began kicking and stomping on his head multiple times, Donnelly said.

McKenzie's credit card and his driver’s license were also taken, according to Donnelly.

When police arrived, they found McKenzie on the ground bleeding from his head, and Destine and Pitt were walking away from the scene of the crash, she said.

McKenzie was later taken to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital where he was pronounced dead at around midnight on April 16, according to Donnelly's office.

Both defendants were placed into custody by the Nassau police and then taken to Nassau Medical Center for treatment.

"After a late-night collision in Baldwin, an intoxicated Patrick Destine allegedly followed the victim, David McKenzie, and repeatedly kicked and stomped on his head and left him to die just steps away from his home,” Donnelly said. “When the defendant was taken into custody, he also had McKenzie’s credit card and identification. David McKenzie was a father and grandfather, and our thoughts remain with his family as they grieve his loss.”

Pitt, 19, of Elmont, was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, second-degree obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct.

Pitt was subsequently charged with an additional count of second-degree assault on April 17 and her cases are pending. Her next court date is June 28.

Destine is due back in court on July 27.

If convicted, Destine faces up to 25 years to life in prison.

It was not immediately clear if Destine has legal representation.

Patch has reached out to Pitt's attorney, Adam Christopher Neal of Mineola, for comment.