Mom Faces New Charges In LI Crash That Killed Child, 4: Court

RIVERHEAD, NY — A mother who was charged with driving while ability impaired by drugs after a Jan. 13 crash that killed her daughter, 4, was indicted and faces upgraded charges, according to online court documents.

Amy Wesolowski, 34, was indicted and charged on March 15 by a Suffolk County grand jury on one count of felony manslaughter, child passenger killed; one count of felony aggravated DWI with a child, or Leandra's Law, first offense; one count of driving while ability impaired by drugs; a misdemeanor; one count of endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor; and one count of third-degree unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor, online court documents said.

Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney confirmed the charges and said Wesolowski is slated for arraignment on the indictment on March 29.

Gracelyn Jane Perkowski died on January 16 after being critically injured in the crash on Flanders Road, according to New York State Police.

According to New York State Police, at 11:40 a.m. on Jan. 13, Southampton Town Police received a call regarding a crash on Flanders Road.

Wesolowski was driving a 2005 Toyota RAV4 with her daughter Gracelyn when the car collided with a 2022 Volkswagen Tiguan driven by Sonya Fezza, 29, of Water Mill, police said.

Wesolowski was initially arrested and held for morning arraignment, police said.

Both drivers were taken to Peconic Bay Medical Center for treatment and have been released; the child was taken first to Peconic Bay and then to Stony Brook University Hospital in critical condition, police said.

Officials said Southampton Town Animal Control Officer Colleen Kidd, "quickly sprang into action" and helped to save the little girl's life. Neighbors also reportedly rushed to the scene to help the child. She was transported to the hospital by Flanders-Northampton Volunteer Ambulance, who continued work tirelessly to resuscitate her.

She later died at the hospital, police said.

After Gracelyn died, many came together with fundraisers to help her father John Perkowsi and sister Kinley.

A heartbroken community also mourns her loss: "Gracelyn was a rainbow on a cloudy day. Her smile could light up a room and her giggle could warm even the coldest of days," said Rose Horton, director at St. David's School. "Her classmates, teachers and all of the St. David's community will forever remember Gracie. I know that losing her has left a permanent mark on my heart. We will continue to pray for her family during these unimaginable times."