WEB Suspect in Long Island crash that killed 1 man 3 kids takes plea deal
By CBS New York Staff
March 9, 2023
The suspect in a Long Island car crash that killed one man and three children in August 2023 has taken a plea deal, according to Suffolk County District Attorney's Office.
Justin Mendez, 23, pleaded guilty to four counts of criminally negligent homicide and operating a motor vehicle impaired by drugs on Wednesday. He faces up to 12 years in prison when he is sentenced on May 4.
On August 13, 2023, Mendez was driving a Nissan Altima on Route 110 in Holbrook when he crossed the double yellow line and crashed head-on into a Toyota Camry. The driver of the Camry, 43-year-old Moshe Dwek, was pronounced dead at the scene. His three children, ages 4, 8, and 10, were also killed in the crash.
Mendez was treated for non-life-threatening injuries at Long Island Community Hospital. He was arrested by Suffolk County Police and charged with driving while intoxicated and four counts of criminally negligent homicide.
In a statement, Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney said, "This is a tragic case that has left a family devastated. I hope that this plea deal will bring some measure of closure to the victims' loved ones.
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