Accused Road Rage Killer Pleads Not Guilty: DA

LAGRANGEVILLE, NY — An indictment has been handed down in a road rage killing that occurred in May on the Taconic State Parkway. Westchester County District Attorney Anthony A. Scarpino Jr. said Thursday that Christian Walczyk, 21, of LaGrangeville, pleaded not guilty to first-degree manslaughter and first-degree criminal impersonation, felonies, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a misdemeanor.

The charges are related to the death of Daniel Siino, 28, of Hartsdale. (For more information on this and other neighborhood stories, subscribe to Patch to receive daily newsletters and breaking news alerts.)

Scarpino said that, on May 27, around 10:25 p.m., Siino and his wife were driving south on the Taconic in their Acura SUV when they encountered Walczyk who was also headed southbound in his BMW sedan.

Police said that at some point Walczyk’s car pulled in front of Siino’s and braked suddenly, forcing him to brake hard as well. Siino tried to pass Walczyk, but he didn’t let him, police said.

Siino, while still on the parkway, pulled over to the right shoulder just before the Briarcliff Manor exit. Walczyk also pulled over just in front of Siino’s car.

Siino got out of his car and walked toward Walczyk’s car. Walczyk got out of his car and was holding a fake badge while concealing a folding knife behind his back, police said.

When they were face to face, Walczyk stabbed Siino twice in the chest, police said, and accidentally sliced his own right index finger on the blade.

Siino got back to his car and told his wife he’d been stabbed. She helped him into the passenger seat and drove off, calling 911.

Siino died further down the parkway, and his wife eventually pulled over.

Walczyk drove off and called 911 claiming he had been the victim of a stabbing, police said.

He was located and taken to a hospital where he received treatment for his finger.

Police said a folding knife was later recovered at the scene of the stabbing.

Walczyk was then taken to the State Police barracks in Hawthorne where he was subsequently placed under arrest.

He continues to be held in jail, with his next court appearance scheduled for Nov. 2.

If convicted of the charges, Walczyk faces 25 years in state prison.

Photo caption: Christian Walczyk. Photo credit: Westchester County District Attorney's Office.