Drunk Driving Fatal Accident In New York
Westchester County District Attorney Janet DiFiore announced today that Ann Marie Ciarcia (DOB 10/02/59) of 2451 Mohansic Avenue, Yorktown Heights, New York, pled guilty to one count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a class “C” Felony, one count of Assault in the Second Degree, a class “D” Felony, one count of Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree, a class “E” Felony, and one count of Driving While Intoxicated, a Misdemeanor.
On September 18th, 2006 at approximately 4:55 a.m. Ciarcia, her 15-year-old daughter Alexa, and Alexa’s friend, 16-year-old Emily Cornish were returning home after a night of clubbing in Manhattan. While under the influence of alcohol, Ciarcia drove her vehicle north in the southbound lanes of the Saw Mill River Parkway and crashed head-on into another vehicle. Cornish, who was not wearing a seat belt, was thrown into the dashboard and died on impact. The driver of the other car, Ed Cook, 49, of Yorktown, New York was transported to Westchester Medical Center with serious injuries. Ciarcia and her daughter were also transported to Westchester Medical Center. Ciarcia’s blood alcohol content was .15 at the time of the incident, almost twice the legal limit of .08.
“The primary duty of a parent is to act responsibly and exercise good judgment,” said District Attorney Janet DiFiore, “The defendant in this case failed on both accounts. Ann Marie Ciarcia is responsible for the death of a teenage girl. She inflicted serious injury to an innocent man traveling our public highways, to her own daughter and to herself. Hopefully this guilty plea is the beginning of her enlightenment and a warning to others who are tempted to drink, drive and jeopardize public safety. Conduct that jeopardizes the safety and welfare of others will not be tolerated.” Ciarcia faces a minimum of five and a maximum of 15 years in state prison on the top count. Her bail continues at $75,000. Ciarcia will be sentenced on March 23rd, 2007. Assistant District Attorney Christine O’Connor, Deputy Chief of the Homicide Bureau, is prosecuting the case.
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