Frustrated Mom Looks To Change Law After Daughter's Death

WANTAGH, NY — It's been 10 months since Patch spoke to Rena Gasparis, who was trying to cope and understand the death of her 20-year-old daughter Kyra.

But, at the forefront for Gasparis, is trying to make sure her daughter's death doesn't go in vain.

She is committed to changing legislation that would make it a felony for a driver to crash and kill a passenger. It's a personal undertaking for her, as Eddy Delaleu received zero jail time as the driver of a collision that killed Kyra. He was charged with aggravated unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle, a misdemeanor.

"We are looking for a consequence for killing someone or injuring someone when you're driving illegally," Gasparis told Patch.

There is a bill co-sponsored in the state Senate and Assembly, where Assemblyman David McDonough (R-Merrick) brought it forth on her behalf.

But she is not confident that the bill will pass.

"New York lives in a lawless state and right now the focus is on the poor," she said. "Right now the hot topic is not to incarcerate poor people."

In Delaleu's case, Judge Valerie Alexander opted against 30 days behind bars. Instead, she gave him a one-year conditional release and a $350 fine with $88 in surcharges, a spokesperson for the Nassau County court system told Patch at the time.

"There will be a vote, but I don't feel it is a priority," Gasparis said.

However, the Assembly bill "Kyra's Law" establishing the crime of vehicular homicide has been stricken, according to the state's website. The comparable Senate bill, sponsored by Michael Gianaris (D-Queens), is in committee.