Crime & Safety
DA: Man Pleads Guilty in Fatal Southern State Crash in North Merrick
Man was reportedly drunk and high at the wheel in crash that killed two and injured two others, officials said.

A West Hempstead man pleaded guilty for his role in a drunken, high-speed crash that killed two passengers in 2013, according to the Nassau County District Attorney’s office.
Kervens Boutin pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide, two counts of second-degree assault, aggravated driving while under the influence of alcohol, and driving while impaired by drugs, the DA said.
Officials said Boutin was at the wheel of a car heading west on the Southern State Parkway at 99 MPH when he lost control and slammed into a line of trees near Exit 22.
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Four passengers were inside the car during the crash, which took place the morning of January 27 in North Merrick. Blossom Castro, 22, and Bryan Rivas, 20, were killed in the crash, officials said. Marlo Cabrera, 19, and Antonio Rivas, 22, survived but were seriously injured, the DA said. Rivas’ right leg had to be amputated after the crash, the DA said.
Boutin was found to have a BAC of .31, nearly four times the legal limit in New York, officials said. Doctors had to amputate both of Boutin’s legs after the crash, the DA said.
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Prosecutors are recommending a sentence of between five to 15 years in prison. Boutin in due back in court Dec. 17.
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