Driver Turns Self In 1 Year After Fatal Nassau Crash

A 19-year-old man turned himself in to authorities on Tuesday one year after he crashed a speeding vehicle that killed his 19-year-old girlfriend and seriously injured himself and two others in Plainview last year, according to Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas.

According to authorities, Kevin Reyes, 19, of Roosevelt, was arraigned on the following charges: second-degree manslaughter, two counts of second-degree assault, two counts of third-degree assault, two counts of second-degree reckless endangerment and fourth-degree criminal mischief.

“Street racing is a dangerous activity that jeopardizes the lives of everyone on our roadways and often leads to death and life-changing injuries,” Singas said in a press release. “[Reyes's] alleged actions led to the death of an innocent 19-year old woman and my condolences are with her family.”

On Nov. 12, 2017, Reyes and three occupants of the car were believed to be traveling to Deer Park from a party on Staten Island where they celebrated Shakira Garcia's birthday, who turned 19 years old two days prior, the DA says. Reyes was driving a black 2004 Acura eastbound on Old Country Road when he and another driver pulled up next to each other just east of Manetto Hill Road at 4:15 a.m., the DA says.

The two vehicles proceeded to race each other at excessive speeds until they reached Round Swamp Road, which was when the DA says Reyes lost control of the vehicle, crashing and flipping into the second story of the home, killing Garcia, the front seat passenger. Reyes and two backseat passengers were seriously injured.

Garcia left behind a two-year-old child.

There were no injuries reported to the occupants of the home. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

Bail was set at $100,000 bond or $50,000 cash. Reyes is due back in court on October 23. He faces a maximum sentence of five to 15 years in prison if convicted of the top charge.

Image via NCDA