Synopsis
An Indian-origin construction executive has been sentenced to up to 25 years in prison for a drunk driving accident that claimed the lives of two teenage tennis players. Amandeep Singh's reckless driving at 150 km/h while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine resulted in the tragic loss of life.Key Takeaways
- Amandeep Singh sentenced for DUI crash.
- Maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
- Incident resulted in the deaths of two teen tennis players.
- Driving at 150 km/h in a 65 km/h zone.
- Presence of alcohol and cocaine in the system.
New York, Feb 8 (NationPress) An Indian-origin construction executive has been sentenced to a maximum of 25 years in prison for driving at 150 km/h while under the influence of alcohol and cocaine, leading to a tragic accident that resulted in the deaths of two teenage tennis players.
Amandeep Singh received his sentence on Friday, which includes a minimum of eight years and four months in prison. This decision came after the emotional outcry from nine family members and friends of the victims, who expressed their anger towards him in court.
“I fully understand and acknowledge your anger towards me,” a remorseful Singh stated prior to the sentencing. “This was entirely my fault. The loss of a child brings the greatest sorrow. I have committed a grave sin. If anyone should have perished, it should have been me,” he addressed Judge Helene Gugerty.
The courtroom was filled to capacity with supporters of the deceased teens, prompting the opening of two additional courtrooms to accommodate the overflow.
According to the sentence imposed by Judge Gugerty, Singh must serve the minimum duration before being eligible for parole, which will depend on his behavior while incarcerated. His sentence could extend to the full 25 years if he does not meet the criteria for parole.
At 36 years old, Singh was employed as a project manager for a construction firm. Nassau District Prosecutor Anne Donnely explained that on a night in May 2023, Singh drove his Dodge Ram truck the wrong way at 150 km/h in a 65 km/h zone.
He collided with an Alfa Romeo carrying four teenagers, out of which two survived, and was later found hiding near a garbage dumpster.
Tests showed Singh had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.15%, nearly double the legal limit of 0.08%, along with traces of cocaine.
The deceased teenagers, Ethan Falkowitz and Drew Hassenbein, both aged 14, were promising tennis players returning from celebrating their match victory.
In memory of Falkowitz, his family has established a foundation aimed at promoting tennis among youth, in collaboration with the US Tennis Association and others, and hosts a tennis classic tournament in his honor.
