Posted on: March 22, 2022 05:00 PM

Share : Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp

Queens man indicted for manslaughter in death of passenger in drunk driver crash

Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced the indictment of a Queens man on charges including manslaughter for allegedly driving while intoxicated at a high rate of speed and crashing into a utility pole in Elmont, killing his passenger, in December 2021. 

Kwesi Williams, 41, was indicted by a grand jury on February 18, 2022 and arraigned today before Judge Teresa Corrigan on charges including manslaughter in the second degree (a C felony), vehicular manslaughter in the second degree (a D felony), two counts of operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of alcohol (a misdemeanor), reckless endangerment in the second degree (an A misdemeanor), and reckless driving (a misdemeanor). If convicted on the top charge, the defendant faces up to 15 years in prison. The defendant is scheduled to return to court on April 6. 
     
“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 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.”

According to the indictment, on December 3, 2021 at approximately 2:04 a.m. near 272 Elmont Road in Elmont, Williams, allegedly driving at a high rate of speed, crossed over the roadway, struck a parked, unoccupied vehicle, and crashed into a utility pole. The defendant’s female passenger was killed from the collision. Data recovered from the vehicle revealed that at the time of the collision, the defendant was allegedly driving 74 mph in a 30-mph zone. 

Williams’ passenger was pronounced deceased at NYU Langone Hospital on December 3, 2021 at 3:33 a.m.

Williams was arrested at NYU Langone Hospital by members of the Nassau County Police Department Homicide Squad on December 3, 2021. (From Nassau County DA's Office)