Judge revokes bail for man accused in horrific crash that killed 4 on Long Island
MASSAPEQUA, Long Island (WABC) -- A judge has revoked bail for a man on Long Island and ordering he be held in the horrific crash that killed four family members last month.
The change was made after the court learned 32-year-old Michael DeAngelo was involved in two alleged drug incidents prior to the August 6 crash.
Prosecutors say DeAngelo slammed into a minivan on Sunrise Highway in Massapequa and killed a 6-year-old girl, her aunt, uncle and grandfather.
They were on their way to get ice cream to celebrate a new job at the time of the collision.
Police tests found DeAngelo had cocaine and fentanyl in his system at the time of the crash. He is also accused of driving 120 mph.
"Patrice Huntley and three children - members of the same family - were killed due to the extraordinarily reckless actions of a defendant who was allegedly driving 120 miles an hour while impaired by cocaine and fentanyl," said District Attorney Anne Donnelly. "No one was safe on Sunrise Highway that Sunday evening and tragically Patrice, Jeremiah, Hannah, and Chantel lost their lives while going to get ice cream. No family should ever have to bury four loved ones at the same time and my office will vigorously prosecute this case to ensure justice for Patrice's family, friends, and community."
Huntley, a Marine veteran, was celebrating a recent job offer and had taken five members of his family out for ice cream.
As a result of the crash, Patrice Huntley, his 10-year-old son Jeremiah Huntley, and his 13-year-old daughter Hannah Huntley were killed.
Huntley's 18-year-old stepdaughter and 6-year-old step-granddaughter, Chantel Solomon, suffered catastrophic injuries, while his 14-year-old son was also hurt in the crash.
Six-year-old Chantel Solomon succumbed to her injuries six days later on August 12, 2023.
"This is forever and that's the impact that this has on my life and that's the impact it should have on his life, as long as I'm affected you should be affected because you caused it," said Huntley's wife Tasheba Hamilton-Huntley. "This man has no remorse and that he belongs exactly where he is forever."
DeAngelo faces a top charge of aggravated vehicular homicide which carries a sentence of up to 25 years if convicted.
He pleaded not guilty in court on Wednesday but the judge said he fears DeAngelo is a flight risk.
Prosecutors say his path of destruction started days prior to the crash. Just three days earlier he allegedly fled cops who were called to his home for an overdose.
"I think that hurts their case because it explains why the cocaine would still be in his blood system, doesn't prove he was on cocaine, impacted, influenced or impaired, on the time and date of the crash," defense lawyer Karl Seman said.
But prosecutors say the needles found in and around his vehicle at the time of the crash, the track marks on his arms and admissions to detectives are key to their case.
RELATED | Mom grieving after kids, husband killed in crash on way to get ice cream in Massapequa
----------
* Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts
Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News
Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply.
