According to police, Kenyatta Junior Weston, 31, was charged with manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, assault, criminal possession of a weapon, driving while intoxicated, driving while ability impaired, reckless driving, and multiple speeding violations in connection with the February 8, 2025 crash.
The crash occurred around 3:47 a.m. on the eastbound Belt Parkway near 233rd Street in Laurelton, Queens, when Weston allegedly lost control of a Toyota while speeding and struck a row of sand barrels. Authorities say both Weston and his passenger, Elizabeth Vanessa Perla Hernandez, were ejected from the vehicle during the violent collision.
Emergency responders rushed Hernandez to Long Island Jewish Valley Stream Hospital, where she later died from her injuries. Weston was transported to North Shore University Hospital in critical condition. Police also recovered a firearm from the wrecked vehicle.
The arrest highlights the devastating consequences of drunk and reckless driving, particularly on high-speed roadways such as the Belt Parkway.
Criminal Charges vs. Civil Liability After a Fatal Drunk Driving Crash
While the criminal prosecution of the driver may provide a measure of accountability, it does not address the financial and legal rights of the victim’s family.
Under New York law, the family of someone killed in a motor vehicle crash may pursue a wrongful death claim against the responsible driver and any other liable parties.
A civil lawsuit may seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses related to the crash
- Loss of financial support the victim would have provided
- Loss of services and guidance to family members
- Conscious pain and suffering experienced before death
In cases involving drunk driving, civil liability can be particularly significant. Evidence of intoxication, reckless behavior, and speeding often strengthens the civil case against the driver.
Why Belt Parkway Crashes Can Be Especially Dangerous
The Belt Parkway is one of the most heavily traveled roadways in Queens and Brooklyn. Late-night crashes on the parkway frequently involve high speeds, impaired driving, and severe impacts.
When a driver loses control at highway speeds, the results can be catastrophic, especially when occupants are ejected from the vehicle, which dramatically increases the likelihood of fatal injuries.
These types of crashes often require thorough investigation, including:
- Police collision reports
- Toxicology results
- Vehicle crash data recorders
- Witness statements
- Surveillance or traffic camera footage
A detailed investigation can be essential in establishing liability and protecting the rights of the victim’s family.
Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Queens Car Crash
Families dealing with the loss of a loved one in a drunk driving crash often face overwhelming emotional and financial burdens. A civil case can help hold the responsible driver accountable and provide financial security for surviving family members.
New York law also imposes strict deadlines for filing wrongful death claims, making it important for families to understand their legal options as soon as possible.
Victims and families affected by serious crashes in Queens can learn more about their rights by speaking with experienced Queens car accident lawyers who understand the complexities of fatal motor vehicle cases and the investigations that follow serious highway crashes.
Speak With Experienced Queens Car Accident Lawyers
Serious crashes caused by drunk and reckless drivers can permanently change the lives of victims and their families. Legal action may be necessary to hold negligent drivers accountable and obtain the compensation families deserve.
If you or your family lost a loved one in a crash on the Belt Parkway or elsewhere in Queens, contact the experienced attorneys at Gair, Gair, Conason, Rubinowitz, Bloom, Hershenhorn, Steigman & Mackauf for a free consultation at 212-943-1090.
Our attorneys have obtained some of the highest verdicts and settlements in New York for victims of catastrophic motor vehicle accidents.