Man Sentenced After Fatally Stomping On Head Of Driver Following LI Crash: DA

NASSAU COUNTY, NY — A Queens man was sentenced to 18 years to life in prison after murdering the driver of a vehicle he collided with in Baldwin in April 2023, Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly announced Tuesday.

Patrick Destine, 28, pleaded guilty on May 7 to one count of second-degree murder; one count of fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property; and two counts of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Destine killed David McKenzie, 54, following a crash, the DA said.

"Patrick Destine brutally kicked and stomped on David McKenzie’s head following a late-night collision between their vehicles in Baldwin," Donnelly said in a news release. "This alcohol-fueled rampage cost David his life and ultimately condemned the defendant to a future behind bars. Today, Destine is held accountable for his gratuitous and senseless violence that night. Our thoughts remain with David’s many family members and friends who continue to mourn."

Just after 11 p.m. April 15, 2023, Destine was driving a 2004 Infiniti and carrying two passengers, including co-defendant Aisha Pitt, when he collided with a 2003 Honda driven by McKenzie near Shuman Place and Forest Avenue in Baldwin, Donnelly said.

McKenzie walked away from the crash and Destine followed him, officials said. Destine then kicked and stomped on McKenzie’s head repeatedly, authorities said. After the beating, McKenzie’s credit card and driver’s license were also taken, prosecutors said.

Police officers found McKenzie on the ground bleeding from the head, officials said. He was taken to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 12:06 a.m. on April 16, 2023, the DA said.

Destine and Pitt were seen walking away from the scene of the crash when police arrived, investigators said. Both were placed into custody by Nassau police and transported to Nassau University Medical Center, authorities said.

Pitt, 20, of Elmont, pleaded guilty on June 28, 2023, to fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property and was sentenced to six months in jail in August 2023.

Destine is represented by Scott Gross, and Pitt is represented by Adam Neal.