TWO MEN INDICTED FOR MANSLAUGHTER IN HIGH-SPEED CRASH THAT KILLED PEDESTRIAN

(SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y.) – Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney today announced that Jared Cooper, 19, of Commack, and Jesus Bonilla, 20, of Commack, were indicted for Manslaughter in the Second Degree and other related charges for their roles in a high-speed street race that resulted in James Beck, 57, of Huntington Station, a pedestrian, to be struck and killed.

“These two defendants allegedly put innocent lives at risk by racing,” said District Attorney Tierney. “Our roadways in Suffolk County are not racetracks. Anyone that gets caught driving recklessly and endangering the lives of Suffolk County residents will be held accountable.”

According to court documents, on November 19, 2022, Cooper, who was driving a 2008 Saab SUV, and Bonilla, who was driving a 2009 Honda Sedan, allegedly began racing each other westbound on Jericho Turnpike in Huntington. Witnesses allegedly observed the two vehicles driving side by side at a high rate of speed, running red lights, and crossing into oncoming traffic. During the race, Beck was struck as he was walking across Jericho Turnpike at the intersection of Totten Avenue in Huntington Station. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

On June 21, 2023, Cooper and Bonilla were arraigned on the indictment by Supreme Court Justice, the Honorable Richard Ambro, for Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, and Reckless Driving, an Unclassified misdemeanor. Both defendants were placed on supervised release during the pendency of the cases.

Cooper is due back in court on July 17, 2023, and is being represented by Michael Alber, Esq. Bonilla is due back in court on July 13, 2023, and is being represented by Michael Franzese, Esq.

This case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney James Curtin of the Vehicular Crime Bureau, with investigative assistance from Detective Anthony Iadevaio of the Suffolk County Police Department’s Second Squad.

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Criminal complaints and indictments are merely accusatory instruments.

Defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty. No one is above the law.

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