LONG ISLAND, NEW YORK: Michael DeAngelo, a 32-year-old Long Island resident allegedly caused a multi-car collision that resulted in the death of a Marine veteran and his three young family members on August 6.
Prosecutors revealed that, at the time of the horrific high-speed crash, the NY driver was under the influence of both fentanyl and cocaine. Authorities discovered needles and a pipe in and around his vehicle, further underscoring the alleged impairment that played a role in the fatal collision.
What led to the tragic car crash?
The catastrophic incident occurred on Sunrise Highway at Unqua Road, where DeAngelo's Hyundai Kona collided with three other vehicles, including the SUV driven by Patrice Huntley. The collision's intensity was such that it sent the US Marine veteran's SUV to spin uncontrollably into the intersection, and placing it directly in the way of approaching traffic.
This unfortunate turn of events resulted in the death of Huntley, along with his two children, 10-year-old Jeremiah Huntley and 13-year-old Hannah Huntley. Additionally, his six-year-old granddaughter, Chantel Solomon, tragically passed away from her injuries six days following the accident. It was later known that the Marine veteran was taking his family members out for ice cream to celebrate a new job offer when this tragedy unfolded.
What are the charges against Michael DeAngelo?
DeAngelo faced six counts of aggravated vehicular homicide charges in connection with the August 6 accident in East Massapequa. The perpetrator appeared in a wheelchair for his arraignment in Nassau County Supreme Court and entered a plea of not guilty. If convicted, DeAngelo could face a sentence of up to 25 years in prison.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne T Donnelly, in response to the incident, condemned the recklessness that led to such devastating loss, stating, "Patrice Huntley and three children – members of the same family – were killed due to the extraordinarily reckless actions of a defendant who was allegedly driving 120 miles an hour while impaired by cocaine and fentanyl."
“No one was safe on Sunrise Highway that Sunday evening and tragically Patrice, Jeremiah, Hannah, and Chantel lost their lives while going to get ice cream,” Donnelly said.
“No family should ever have to bury four loved ones at the same time and my office will vigorously prosecute this case to ensure justice for Patrice’s family, friends, and community,” reported New York Post.
DeAngelo is scheduled to appear in court on October 19.
