Driver Charged With Murder In Crash That Killed Man Hanging Onto Hood Of Car
GREAT NECK, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) – Charges have been upgraded from manslaughter to murder for a Long Island man accused of causing a crash that killed a man hanging onto the hood of the car.
The Nassau County district attorney's office says 19-year-old Christian Arevalo and 20-year-old Corey Howell got into an argument on August 11 in Great Neck.
Arevalo allegedly drove a 2013 Nissan Altima toward Howell, who jumped onto the hood to avoid being hit.
Howell then held on as Arevalo zig-zagged and drove for more than a mile, reaching speeds of 60 miles per hour, authorities say.
Howell's brother was following in a 2017 Cadillac when Arevalo allegedly slammed on the breaks, causing the Cadillac to rear-end the Nissan.
The Nissan drove onto the lawn of Cumberland Adult Center before crashing into a curb, authorities say.
Howell was thrown onto the sidewalk. He was rushed to North Shore University Hospital, where he died hours later.
"You would have to know what I'm feeling if it was you," Howell's mother told WCBS 880's Sophia Hall.
In addition to the upgraded murder charge, Arevalo faces a number of other charges including operating a motor vehicle while under the influence of drugs.
In court Wednesday, his lawyer argued it was a case of self-defense. Defense attorney Brian Griffin said Arevalo was constantly being harassed by Howell and was fleeing an assault at the time.
"Mr. Arevalo was justified in his behavior, based upon the very thorough police accident investigation report," he said.
Howell is related to Kyle Howell, who claimed he was assaulted by a Nassau County police officer during a traffic stop in 2014, Hall reported. The officer was ultimately found not guilty.