Nassau Man Faces Multiple Charges Stemming From 2023 Fatal Crash: DA

MINEOLA, NY — A Woodmere man has been indicted on charges stemming from allegedly driving reckless while intoxicated and crashing into a tree in Rockville Centre, killing his 28-year-old cousin, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said.

Brian Antonio Lopez Cruz, 22, was arraigned on Monday on indictment charges that include aggravated vehicular homicide, second-degree manslaughter, second-degree vehicular manslaughter, two counts of second-degree assault, second-degree vehicular assault, driving while intoxicated and reckless driving, prosecutors said.

During the overnight hours of September 17, 2023, Lopez Cruz was allegedly driving southbound on Peninsula Boulevard in a 2010 Nissan Altima with two passengers at a high rate of speed, prosecutors said.

Lopez Cruz lost control of the vehicle, drove off the roadway and crashed into a tree in a wooded area on the western shoulder.

Merlin Lopez, 28, was killed instantly, Donnelly said.

Another 32-year-old passenger was transported to a nearby hospital, where it was determined she suffered a fractured pelvis and ribs, and a perforated colon which required extensive surgery, the D.A.'s office said.

Lopez Cruz sustained head trauma and significant internal bleeding and underwent surgery.

An extensive investigation after the crash revealed that Lopez Cruz was at a bar in Hempstead earlier that night for several hours and allegedly consumed multiple alcoholic drinks, Donnelly said.

Lopez Cruz pleaded not guilty and was remanded. He is due back in court on August 27. If convicted, he faces up to 8-1/3 to 25 years in prison.

“This defendant allegedly spent the evening drinking beer with family and friends before getting behind the wheel with two passengers in his car and recklessly speeding along Peninsula Boulevard,” said Donnelly. “Lopez Cruz lost control and slammed into a tree, causing catastrophic injuries to his cousin Merlin and fracturing his other passenger’s pelvis and ribs, and perforating her colon. Speed and alcohol are a deadly combination and Lopez Cruz’s alleged actions ended the life of a young relative who just wanted a ride home."

He is represented by attorney Joseph Lo Piccolo, who said in a statement:

"Mr. Lopez Cruz was involved in a horrific car crash which claimed the life of his cousin, who was the rear passenger. At the time, he was also seriously injured, as was his front passenger. The defense will be reviewing all evidence provided by the District Attorney's Office, with special attention to the accident reconstruction and any witness statements. We expect to defend this case vigorously in court on behalf of Mr. Lopez Cruz."