Woman Who Plowed SUV Into Crowd Charged With Murder: DA

A Hempstead woman who drove an SUV into a crowd, killing one woman and injuring two others in Hempstead in April was charged after turning herself in to police on Wednesday night, according to the Nassau County District Attorney's office.

Shania Buchanan, 22, was arraigned on Thursday before Acting Supreme Court Justice Jerald Carter on charges of:

• second degree murder
• two counts of first degree assault
• two counts of second degree assault
• first degree reckless endangerment
• reckless driving

She pleaded not guilty to all charges and was remanded, according to the DA. She is due back in court on July 11.

Buchanan could face a maximum of 25 years to life if convicted on the top charge.

On April 20, Buchanan allegedly learned about an altercation involving a family member and drove on Linden Avenue towards a relative’s house while speeding, the DA said.

A large group of people had gathered in the area as a result of the altercation.

Buchanan, driving her 1999 green Pathfinder, then allegedly hit a woman standing on the side of the road causing her to suffer a broken femur, the DA said.

Buchanan then allegedly continued to drive toward the crowd and struck a man on his bicycle, according to the DA. His spine was fractured, and the bike became lodged underneath the car, according to the DA.

She then allegedly hit a 56-year old woman and dragged her, according to the DA. The woman, whom Newsday identified as Barbara Reid, of Hempstead, died from her injuries.

“This crash devastated so many families and so many lives,” DA Madeline Singas said. “The serious charges reflect that the loss of life and injuries sustained are the direct result of the defendant’s alleged willful and wanton driving. There is no excuse and it will not be tolerated.”