As community turns out in force, suspect in Jericho wrong crash that killed 2 teens appears in court
JERICHO, Nassau County (WABC) -- The man accused in the drunken-driving crash that killed two 14-year-old boys on Long Island appeared in court Monday.
Amandeep Singh faces multiple charges, including aggravated vehicular homicide and DWI.
The crowds attending the appearance were too big to fit inside the Nassau County Courthouse and the first-floor courtroom.
The crowd was made up of family, friends, and classmates of Drew Hassenbein and Ethan Falkowitz, the two Roslyn Middle School eighth-grade students and tennis stars who were killed.
Officials say 34-year-old Singh was driving on the wrong side of Route 106 Wednesday night and collided with an Alfa Romeo with four teens inside. Singh allegedly had a blood-alcohol level of .18 -- more than twice the legal limit.
"Probably one of the most catastrophic scenes I've seen in a long time," Det. Capt. Stephen Fitzpatrick said. "It was almost like the car exploded, that's how fast the driver hit that car with these kids in it."
The teens were on the way home from getting food following a local tennis event. A 17-year-old was the driver, a 16-year-old was in the left rear and the two 14-year-olds were on the right side of the vehicle, in the front and back, and took the brunt of the crash.
Some 15 people arrived in support of Singh, but hundreds were there for the teens killed.
Family members attended, arms locked, to make sure no bail was set. Students and school officials were also out in force.
"We are a community. We have gone through two funerals. It was the most horrific thing to ever listen to," said Brian Meyerson, an East Hills trustee.
Kiara Diament, a Roslyn student, said the classmates "feel so horrible about the situation so we just want to be here to support everyone."
Added student Eliana Stühle-Phelps: "It's so sad what he did and it shouldn't have happened, so I'm glad that they're taking care of it."
Riley Dinbusky, a Roslyn student, said knowing the families makes it all the more painful: "It's so awful what happened to them/"
"And hearing that it will be no bail?" Eyewitness News asked.
"That it just feels so good to see that they're getting justice," said Avani Vargagse, a Roslyn student.
Singh's attorney spoke outside of court.
"I'm not going to comment on the facts and circumstances. He's devastated. He's devastated," said James Kousouros, the defense attorney.
Singh's next hearing will be on June 6.
The funeral for Hassenbein was held Sunday and Falkowitz was laid to rest on Friday.
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