Man Pleads Guilty To Suffolk Crash That Killed Pedestrian: DA

SUFFOLK COUNTY, NY — A Commack man admitted guilt for his role in a street racing crash that killed James Beck, 57, of Huntington Station, in 2022, Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney announced Thursday.

Jesus Bonilla, 21, of Commack, pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter and reckless driving. Bonilla faces up to 2 to 6 years in prison at his sentencing, scheduled for April 4. A second driver's case is still pending, the DA said.

"James Beck's death was completely avoidable and occurred because this defendant recklessly engaged in street racing with another driver," Tierney said. "Suffolk County's roadways are not racetracks. Anyone caught driving recklessly and jeopardizing the lives of other motorists or pedestrians will be held accountable."

Bonilla was driving a 2009 Honda sedan west on Jericho Turnpike around 8:45 p.m. Nov. 19, 2022, when he began racing a Saab SUV driven by Jared Cooper, 20, of Commack, according to court documents and Bonilla's confession. Witnesses saw the Honda and Saab driving side by side at high rates of speed, running red lights, and crossing into oncoming traffic, investigators said.

Beck was struck by Bonilla's Honda while he was walking across Jericho Turnpike at the intersection of Totten Avenue in Huntington Station, prosecutors said. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Crash reconstruction determined that Bonilla was driving 79 mph in a 40-mph zone when he struck Beck, authorities said.

Bonilla is being represented by Michael Franzese. Cooper’s case is still pending, and he is being represented by Jonathan Manley.