MASTIC BEACH, N.Y. (1010 WINS) — A Suffolk County woman was indicted Monday for intentionally hitting a 15-year-old boy with her car, running him over twice, fleeing the scene and later trying to hide the car she had used by trading it in later that day, prosecutors said.
Jennifer Nelson, 35, is charged with second-degree murder, first-degree assault, first-degree reckless endangerment and leaving the scene of an incident without reporting resulting in serious physical injury.
According to prosecutors, Nelson drove her 2020 Honda Passport to the Dunkin’ located across from William Floyd High School in Mastic Beach on Oct. 7, 2022. She allegedly believed that students who participated in a robbery targeting her son earlier that day, were still present at the Dunkin’ parking lot, and she allegedly wanted to confront them.
Once in the parking lot, Nelson threatened a group of students while brandishing a knife and a small bat. During this incident, prosecutors said the victim left the parking lot and walked across the street to the parking lot of Manhattan Bagel.
Nelson allegedly then got back into her vehicle, left the Dunkin’ parking lot, crossed Mastic Road, entered the parking lot of Manhattan Bagel at a high rate of speed, and drove directly at the victim, who was standing in the parking lot.
Her car struck the teen, who then fell to the ground, according to prosecutors. Nelson proceeded to drive over the victim, up onto a curb, reverse, drive over the victim again and then flee the scene.
Later that evening, Nelson allegedly traded in her car for a newer model, even though her lease was not set to expire.
The victim suffered serious physical injuries, including multiple fractures of the pelvis, six fractured ribs, a punctured lung and numerous bruises and abrasions.
"This defendant – an adult – allegedly thought she could take the law into her own hands and tried to kill a 15-year-old in the process," said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney. "This defendant’s incredibly misguided attempt to avenge the alleged victimization of her own child is no excuse."
The District Attorney's Office had recommended bail be set at $250,000 cash, $1 million bond or $2.5 million partially secured bond, but Nelson was released on her own recognizance Monday.
She is due back in court on March 21.
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