NEW YORK (1010 WINS) — A Queens man was indicted Monday on manslaughter charges after the passenger of the vehicle he was driving died while he was allegedly drunk driving, the Nassau County District Attorney said.
The incident happened on Dec. 3 when 41-year-old Kwesi Williams was speeding in Elmont with a female passenger in the car just after 2 a.m.
Williams, who was allegedly intoxicated at the time, crossed over the roadway, hit an unoccupied parked car and crashed into a utility pole, officials said.
An investigation revealed Williams was going 74 mph in a 30-mph zone.
The woman was taken to NYU Langone Hospital where she was pronounced dead around 3:30 a.m. Williams was also taken to NYU Langone Hospital where he was arrested.
"The defendant got behind the wheel in the early morning, allegedly intoxicated and driving more than twice the speed limit on Elmont Road, with a passenger in his vehicle. Tragically, his alleged reckless actions led to a collision and the woman's death," said DA Anne T. Donnelly. "Driving while intoxicated is a serious crime and can quickly turn deadly. Our thoughts are with the victim's family as we prosecute this case."
Charges against Williams include manslaughter, 2 counts of driving under the influence and reckless driving. He faces up to 15 years in prison. Williams is scheduled to return to court on April 6.
