Incident Overview
An emotional day in court saw Michael D’Angelo sentenced to up to 21 years in prison for causing a crash that killed four family members on Long Island last year. The driver admitted to driving under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident.
The Crash
The victims, spanning three generations, were on their way to get ice cream when they were stopped at a red light. D’Angelo, driving approximately 120 mph, crashed into their SUV. The crash resulted in the deaths of the victims, including a father, his daughter, and his six-year-old step-granddaughter.
Driver’s Condition
D’Angelo was found to have fresh track marks on his arms and hands and was high on cocaine and fentanyl at the time of the crash. He had a history of driving while intoxicated (DWI) offenses and had been revived from an overdose just days before the crash.
Courtroom Reactions
Survivors and family members of the victims emotionally addressed the court, pleading for the maximum sentence for D’Angelo. They described the profound impact of the tragedy on their lives and expressed their belief that D’Angelo belonged behind bars.
Judge’s Sentencing
The judge sentenced D’Angelo to up to 21 years in prison, emphasizing that D’Angelo was not a victim but had caused the deaths due to his reckless behavior. The judge urged D’Angelo to use his time in prison to rehabilitate and become a better person, potentially helping to prevent future tragedies.
Family’s Loss
The family remembered their loved ones fondly, noting the father’s dedication to uplifting veterans as a Marine and the children’s energetic and full-of-life nature. Despite D’Angelo’s expression of regret, it offered little consolation to the grieving family.
Conclusion
The court proceedings highlighted the severe consequences of drunk and drugged driving, with D’Angelo’s actions resulting in devastating loss and trauma for the victims’ family. The sentence aims to bring some measure of justice and serve as a warning against such reckless behavior.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oN2voIZz4vA
