MINEOLA, NY – A tragic car accident occurred in Nassau County, resulting in the arraignment of 33-year-old Elvin Maradiaga Ortiz, a resident of Hempstead. Facing charges of manslaughter for the fatal February crash, Ortiz allegedly operated a vehicle under the influence and collided with a pole, causing the death of one passenger and injury to another.
The incident, which took place on Jerusalem Avenue, has sparked widespread concern over the dangers of drunk driving. District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly reported that surveillance footage captured Ortiz excessively drinking at a bar before the accident. Ortiz fled the scene post-crash; later, 35-year-old Alex Banegas Figueroa, found unconscious in the backseat of the vehicle, succumbed to his injuries at Nassau University Medical Center on March 1, 2024.
Ortiz, who pleaded not guilty before Judge Christopher Quinn, could face a prison sentence of 7-1/2 to 15 years if convicted. Calls for stricter DUI law enforcement and heightened public awareness have followed in the wake of this devastating event.
Reflecting on the severity of the charges, DA Donnelly condemned the act of drunk driving, illustrating it with this case that has left a profound impact on the community. The arraignment serves as a somber reminder that such reckless behavior on the roads can lead to irreversible consequences.
Source: Shore News Network
