Conviction For Drunken 2021 Crash That Killed Teen In Nassau: DA

MINEOLA, NY — A West Hempstead man was convicted of aggravated vehicular homicide for a 2021 crash in Woodmere that killed a teenage passenger, prosecutors said.

Arlin Aguilera, 37, was also convicted on Wednesday of second-degree manslaughter, two counts of third-degree assault and two counts of driving while intoxicated, Nassau County D.A. Anne Donnelly said.

"Fifteen-year-old Liel Namdar was a typical teenager, enjoying a long-awaited reunion with her friends from summer camp on that December night. The girls had planned a sleepover and were being driven to one of their homes to continue the fun when they were broadsided by a drunk and speeding Arlin Aguilera," Donnelly said. "Every day we place our trust in our fellow drivers when we get behind the wheel of a car or clip our children into the backseat. This defendant betrayed that trust with fatal and irreparable consequences."

Aguilera is due back in court for sentencing on October 4, and faces up to 25 years in prison.

December 11, 2021, at approximately 10:54 p.m., Aguilera, according to Donnelly, was driving while intoxicated and at a high rate of speed in a 2014 RAM 1500 pickup truck northbound on Peninsula Boulevard.

He then crashed into an Audi Q5 as it made a turn in front of the Aguilera's vehicle from Edward Avenue into the southbound lanes of Peninsula Boulevard, the D.A.'s office said.

Fifteen-year-old Liel Namdar suffered severe head trauma and was killed in the collision. The victim driver was seriously injured, suffering a severe traumatic brain injury, clavicle fracture and jaw fracture.

Three other teenage passengers in the Audi also sustained various injuries.

"Our thoughts remain with Liel’s family as they mourn her tragic loss, and we will continue to hold drunk drivers accountable for their irresponsible actions that endanger our roadways," Donnelly said.

Mitchell Elman, attorney for Aguilera, responded in an email with a "no comment."