Family's Demands For Justice Lead To Manslaughter Indictment In Deadly Fort Greene Accident
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Amanda Nicodemus and her family have been struggling with the loss of her sister, Victoria, who was killed when a car jumped a curb in Fort Greene, Brooklyn, last December.
The driver of the SUV was charged for driving without a license. At the time, he faced only the misdemeanor and a fine.
"Early on it was appalling and really upsetting that essentially her life was worth $500 and a misdemeanor," Nicodemus said.
Victoria's family held a candlelight vigil just weeks after the 30-year-old's death to bring attention to the case and call on Brooklyn District Attorney Ken Thompson to do more.
"We have been fighting really hard to find justice for Victoria since the day of the crash," Nicodemus said.
An online petition collected 1,800 signatures and Nicodemus said her family's plea was finally heard.
"We were really pleased that the Brooklyn District Attorney decided to move forward with the grand jury investigation," she said.
This week, a grand jury handed down an indictment of second degree manslaughter for driver Marlon Sewell.
A CBS2 news team was told that Sewell wasn't available to speak.
Victoria's sister said even if he is convicted of the more serious charge it doesn't change the outcome of the deadly crash.
"Even a resolution to this case will never fill the void that exists now. It'll never replace Victoria," Nicodemus said.
An arraignment date for Sewell hasn't been scheduled.
A conviction of second degree manslaughter carries a punishment of five to 15 years behind bars.
