NYC Teen Joseph Beer Pleads Guilty In Long Island Crash That Killed 4 Friends
Joseph Beer is escorted to the courtroom for opening statements in his trial on May 8, 2014. (Credit: Michael Balsamo)
MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBSNewYork/AP) — A New York City teenager has pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide in connection with a high-speed Long Island crash that killed his four friends.
As WCBS 880’s Sophia Hall reported, Joseph Beer remained in his seat and looked straight at the judge as he entered his plea in court Tuesday.
He faces a prison sentence of five to 15 years, although his attorney is seeking youthful offender status for his client. If that is granted, Beer would serve no more than four years.
NYC Teen Joseph Beer Pleads Guilty In Long Island Crash That Killed 4 Friends
In June, a jury convicted the 19-year-old of second-degree manslaughter but was deadlocked on the more serious charge of aggravated vehicular homicide.
“We’re just grateful because the families really didn’t want to undergo another trial,” Nassau County prosecutor Maureen McCormick told Hall.
Beer also pleaded guilty Tuesday to smoking marijuana before the October 2012 crash on the Southern State Parkway. Police say he was traveling over 100 mph when he lost control of the car and crashed into trees.
All five people inside the vehicle were ejected. Darian Ramnarine, Christopher Khan, Neal Rajaba and Peter Kanhai died.
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