Last week, we wrote about a car crash that left a young couple with fatal injuries. They were on their way to the hospital when their livery car was broadsided by another vehicle at a stop sign. The driver of that vehicle fled from the scene of the accident. However, he was recently arrested by police and now faces serious criminal charges.
As readers may recall, the young couple, members of the Orthodox Jewish community, were expecting their first child together. Both parents were killed in the crash. Their child was delivered by cesarean section but died a day later.
Authorities say the driver that fled from the scene was speeding at the time of the accident. He and a passenger fled on foot after the crash. He has been charged with three counts of criminally negligent homicide, leaving the scene of an accident, reckless driving, assault and speeding. He has a criminal record. Because of that he could spend the rest of his life in prison.
Community members in the tight-knit Orthodox Jewish community have been left in shock after this tragic accident. One community leader is hoping the driver that fled from the accident is punished to the fullest extent of the law.
The driver could face criminal charges and penalties as well as civil lawsuits. When drivers are reckless and harm others in the process they should be held legally and financially responsible.
It will take a long time for family and friends of the young couple to overcome their grief. Although nothing can change the past, family members and friends may find some peace knowing that the man responsible for the young couple’s death is being held accountable for his actions.
Source: Reuters, “NYC man charged in hit-and-run crash that killed family,” Edith Honan, March 8, 2013
