Pedestrian Killed In High-Speed Street Race; 2 Men Indicted On Manslaughter Charges: SCDA

HUNTINGTON STATION, NY — Two Commack men were indicted in connection with a high-speed street race that killed a pedestrian in Huntington Station, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said on Wednesday.

Jared Cooper, 19, and Jesus Bonilla, 20, face second-degree manslaughter and other charges for their roles in the death of James Beck, 57, of Huntington Station, the DA said.

"These two defendants allegedly put innocent lives at risk by racing," Tierney said in a news release. "Our roadways in Suffolk County are not racetracks. Anyone that gets caught driving
recklessly and endangering the lives of Suffolk County residents will be held accountable."

Cooper was driving a 2008 Saab SUV and Bonilla was driving a 2009 Honda Sedan when the two began racing each other westbound on Jericho Turnpike in Huntington on Nov. 19, 2022, prosecutors said. Witnesses saw the men driving side by side at a high rate of speed, running red lights, and crossing into oncoming traffic, authorities said.

During the race, Beck was struck as he was walking across Jericho Turnpike and Totten Avenue in Huntington Station, officials said. He died at the scene.

Cooper and Bonilla were arraigned Wednesday on charges of second-degree manslaughter and reckless driving. Both men were placed on supervised release while their cases are pending.

Bonilla is due back in court on July 13 and is being represented by Michael Franzese.

Cooper is due back in court on July 17 and is being represented by Michael Alber.