NORTH MASSAPEQUA, N.Y. (PIX11) --- A man allegedly high on weed is accused of killing his sister and another passenger in a horrific high-speed crash on a Long Island expressway earlier this year, prosecutors said.
Jaden D’Souza, 19, of Queens, was indicted Wednesday on a slew of charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide, manslaughter, assault, vehicular assault, and driving while ability impaired by drugs, authorities said.
D'Souza was allegedly going 123 mph in his Dodge Dart when he lost control of the car and crashed into a tree off the shoulder of the Southern State Parkway at around 11:05 p.m. on Jan. 12, according to court records.
D'Souza allegedly hit another car on the road, causing it to crash into a guardrail and injuring the driver, prosecutors said. The Dart's tire flew off and it landed upside down on the shoulder.
The defendant's sister, Haily D'Souza, was trapped in the back seat and died at the scene. Crystal Alba-Figueroa, 23, was ejected from the backseat and died on impact, prosecutors said.
A 23-year-old man who sitting in the front seat suffered serious spinal fractures and traumatic brain injuries. The driver was taken to the hospital for treatment.
Authorities found several cannabis products at the scene and in the car, including THC-infused products, rolling papers, a bong, and lighters, according to court records.
The defendant's blood test allegedly showed a high level of cannabis, prosecutors said. He was arrested on Jan. 13.
His attorney could not immediately be reached Thursday.
"Driving high is driving impaired. It is never a safe choice, and it can have catastrophic, heartbreaking consequences. Our thoughts are with Crystal and Haily’s families as we prosecute this preventable tragedy," said Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly.
Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She has been with PIX11 News for two years. See more of her work here.
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