Man Charged With DWI In Huntington Crash That Killed Passenger: SCDA

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A man was indicted in connection with a drunken driving crash that killed his passenger in Huntington on July 4, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said Tuesday.

Leo Flores-Gracias, 26, of Huntington Station, faces aggravated vehicular homicide and other charges after he was accused of driving while drunk and crashing into another vehicle head-on, Tierney said. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted of the top charge.

His passenger, Marlon Nunez-Cuellar, 25, of Huntington Station, died in the crash, the DA said.

"This defendant's alleged decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol caused the tragic death of Marlon Nunez-Cuellar," Tierney said in a news release. "My office will seek justice for the victim and his loved ones, as we continue the push to keep our roadways in Suffolk County safe."

Flores-Gracias and three others, at 8:06 p.m. July 4, left a party where he had been drinking alcohol, officials said. They got into Flores-Gracias' 2017 Honda Accord, authorities said. Flores-Gracias began driving northbound on Sweet Hollow Road in Huntington at a high rate of speed and crashed head-on with a vehicle driving southbound, prosecutors said.

Nunez-Cuellar, one of Flores-Gracias' passengers, was pronounced dead at Plainview Hospital from injuries he suffered in the crash, the DA said.

The driver of the vehicle that was struck head-on was uninjured, Tierney said.

Police officers said Flores-Gracias showed signs of intoxication and arrested him at the scene of the crash.

Flores-Gracias was arraigned Tuesday on charges of one count of aggravated vehicular homicide, one count of second-degree manslaughter, one count of second-degree vehicular manslaughter, one count of aggravated driving while intoxicated, two counts of driving while intoxicated, and one count of reckless driving.

Flores-Gracias was ordered held on $250K cash, $500K bond or $2.5 million partially secured bond. He is due back in court on Oct. 25 and is represented by Austin Manghan.