2 Accused Of Faking Evidence To Cover Up Fatal Hit-And-Run in HV

SAUGERTIES, NY — Two people were arrested and charged after being accused of fatally striking a pedestrian and then leaving the scene and trying to cover up the evidence.

The Saugerties Police Department said Lacy L. Maxwell, 42, of Malden, was charged Tuesday with leaving the scene of a fatal accident, third-degree insurance fraud, staging a motor vehicle accident and tampering with physical evidence, felonies.

Also, police said Ryan Maxwell of Malden was charged with third-degree insurance fraud, staging a motor vehicle accident and tampering with physical evidence, felonies.

Authorities said, after an extensive investigation, police determined that Maxwell was driving her 2021 Subaru south on Route 9W Jan. 10 when she struck and killed Starlie Swonyoung, 21, who was walking on the shoulder.

Lacy Maxwell then left the scene.

The next day, police said the Maxwells staged an accident with the Subaro to account for the damage sustained from striking Swonyoung.

Both Maxwells were charged after an indictment from an Ulster County grand jury and were sent to the Ulster County Jail.

Saugerties police said they were assisted by the New York State Police investigators, troopers and Collision Reconstruction Unit, the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office, Saugerties and Malden West Camp Fire Departments and members of the Saugerties community who provided a number of leads and video footage.