Christopher Guzman, 40, of Farmingville, appeared in Suffolk County Court on Monday 8 May, where he was also charged with negligence in the death of Timothy Carpenter He was arraigned for homicide and vehicular assault.
According to the Suffolk County Prosecutor’s Office, on March 19, 2023, around 5 p.m., Guzman caused multiple vehicle accidents at Centereach on Middle Country Road near Wood Road.
Investigators determined that he had been traveling westbound on Middle Country Road in a Chevrolet pickup truck when he crossed the double yellow line and side-rammed an eastbound Toyota Camry driven by a 66-year-old Coram woman.
Carpenter and his 55-year-old uncle were seriously injured as Guzman continued westward and struck a westbound Ford Escape not far away.
Carpenter and his uncle were taken by ambulance to Stony Brook University Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries, according to prosecutors.
Guzman was treated in the same hospital as the other driver, but his life was not in danger.
While in the hospital, police determined that Guzman was on drugs, which later turned out to be fentanyl, prosecutors said.
“Sadly, the accused’s alleged use of fentanyl in this case changed the lives of innocent victims forever,” Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said in a statement. “The tragic death of 22-year-old Timothy Carpenter is yet another sad reminder of the consequences of driving while under the influence of drugs.”
Tierney went on to call for “swift” legislation to strengthen New York’s DWI laws and increase penalties for fentanyl-related crimes.
In court on Monday, Guzman was arraigned on the following charges:
- One count of aggravated vehicular homicide (felony)
- One count of second degree manslaughter (felony)
- One count of second-degree vehicular manslaughter (felony)
- One count of aggravated vehicular assault (felony)
- Two counts of assault in the second degree (felony)
- Two counts of second-degree vehicular assault (felony)
- One count of driving while impaired by drugs (misdemeanor)
- One count of reckless driving (misdemeanor)
After his arraignment, a judge ordered him to hold $150,000 bond. He is due to appear in court again on Wednesday, June 21.
According to him, Carpenter was pursuing a teaching degree at Stony Brook University when he died. obituary.
“Timothy was a lovely son, grandson and cousin. He had a heart of gold and was always ready to help,” his eulogy read.
“His memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew him.”
Click here Follow Daily Voice Nassau and receive free news updates.
