Arraignment For Man Who Killed Passenger In Drunken Crash: Prosecutors

MINEOLA, NY — A Hempstead man was arraigned Tuesday on aggravated vehicular homicide stemming from an October 2022 crash that killed a 26-year-old man.

Donnell Hill, 51, was also indicted on charges that include second-degree manslaughter, two counts of second-degree assault and aggravated driving while intoxicated with a child, prosecutors announced.

Three people in Hill's Dodge Charger, including his teenage son, were injured in the crash.

"The defendant’s actions that evening showed a complete disregard for everyone on the roadway. A 26-year-old man died due to the allegedly reckless actions of this defendant and my office will vigorously prosecute this case," Nassau County DA Anne Donnelly said.

Hill was allegedly speeding and drunken driving when he crashed the vehicle, Donnelly said.

He was traveling east on Jerusalem Avenue when he lost control of the car, crossed over the westbound lanes of traffic and crashed into a tree, the DA's office said.

Hill pleaded not guilty, and bail was set at $250,000 bond, $125,000 cash, or $1 million partially secured at 10%. He is due back in court on September 20.