Astoria Man Indicted After Hit-And-Run Leaves Child Dead: DA

QUEENS – A Queens man was indicted on homicide charges after a hit-and-run that killed a 5-year-old child last month, the Queens District Attorney's office said Thursday.

A grand jury indicted Xavier Carchipulla, 40, one month after a crash that killed Jonathan Martinez, 5, on 100th Street in Astoria on Sept. 1, said the Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.

Carchipulla could spend up to 7 years in prison if convicted, according to prosecutors.

The 40-year-old was driving a truck and, after making a turn onto 100th Street, struck the child who was standing next to his father and siblings and then left the scene, the District Attorney’s office contends.

The New York State motor vehicle database confirmed Carchipulla did not possess a valid New York State driver’s license, which had been suspended, according to prosecutors. Also, the car did not have valid registration, Katz said.

The child was transported to a local Queens hospital where he was treated for severe head trauma and severe injuries to his torso, where he died as a result of his injuries, the district attourney said.