Amandeep Singh was drunk, high on cocaine and driving 95 mph in crash that killed 2 teens in Jericho, new indictment alleges
MINEOLA, N.Y. -- Amandeep Singh, the man accused of drunk driving and killing two 14-year-old boys in Jericho, appeared in a packed courtroom once again Monday.
The Roslyn community where Ethan Falkowitz and Drew Hassenbein, the boys who died, are from showed up in force as new charges against Singh were unveiled.
Singh, a 34-year-old father of two, pleaded not guilty to a 15-count indictment including aggravated vehicular homicide, leaving the scene, and driving while drunk and impaired.
Singh is accused of driving the wrong way and slamming into a car carrying four teens, killing Falkowitz and Hassenbein, who were returning from a tennis match, on May 3.
"May 3, 2023 was a parent's worst nightmare. A reckless driver stole the lives of two extraordinary young men," said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly.
The latest indictment revealed Singh was allegedly driving 95 mph and his blood-alcohol level taken four hours after the crash was almost twice the legal limit. Singh was allegedly high on cocaine at the time of the crash.
Donnelly said Singh attended a party and other drinking establishments before he barreled into the victims' car.
"95 miles an hour, going in the wrong direction in a supercharged pickup truck. The posted speed limit in that location is 40 miles per hour," said Donnelly.
Extensive police body camera video will be used to support the allegations, prosecutors said.
"It seems like there is a lot of evidence that is going to be used against him, and we hope that this defendant does not make the families go through any kind of trial and will just plead guilty," said Brian Mayerson, an East Hills Village trustee.
The injured teens' families attended court, but did not comment.
Singh's extended family also packed the courtroom.
"This is a very tragic event. My client and his family have not spoken out. They do want the families to know just how heartbroken they are," said James Kousouros, Singh's lawyer. "There is a lot of pain going around. On the other hand, my client does deserve to have fairness in the proceedings."
Donnelly said the pain could've been avoided by planning ahead and having a designated driver.
"I am so tired of saying that at press conferences, because of a drunk driver," said Donnelly.
Singh is being held without bail after an appeals court sided with prosecutors, who argued no amount of bail would ensure Singh returns to court because he was also charged with drunk driving as a minor and allegedly fled the scene.
In convicted, Singh faces up to 32 years in prison. He is due back in court on July 25.
