Patrick Destine of Queens was arraigned Wednesday, June 7 in Nassau County Court on second-degree murder and other charges in connection with the April 2023 beating of David McCann, 54, in Baldwin Qi (David McKenzie).
Destine and McKenzie were involved in a minor vehicle accident near Shuman Place and Forest Avenue in Baldwin around 11 p.m. on April 15, according to prosecutors.
Destine was also in the car with two other passengers, including his girlfriend and now co-defendant, 19-year-old Aisha Pitt.
After the crash, Mackenzie started to leave the scene, with Destin following him. That’s when prosecutors said Destine repeatedly kicked MacKenzie in the head.
When police arrived, they found Mackenzie lying on the ground, bleeding from the head. He was taken to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital where he was pronounced dead shortly after midnight.
Investigators discovered his credit card and driver’s license had been stolen.
Officers found Destin and Pete walking away from the scene of the crash and arrested them without incident.
“After a late-night crash in Baldwin, an allegedly intoxicated Patrick Destin stalked victim David McKenzie and repeatedly kicked and stomped on his head, leaving him walking just steps from his home. died somewhere far away,” Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly said. a statement.
“When the defendant was taken into custody, he still had McKenzie’s credit card and identification. David McKenzie was a father and grandfather and our thoughts remain with his family as they grieve the loss of him.”
In court on Wednesday, Destine pleaded not guilty to the following charges:
- Second degree murder (felony)
- Unlawful Possession of Stolen Goods Level 4
- Two counts of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol (misdemeanor)
The judge ordered him to be imprisoned until his next court appearance on July 27. If convicted on all charges, he faces up to 25 years or even life in prison.
Pitt, of Elmont, was charged with the following counts:
- Unlawful Possession of Stolen Goods Level 4
- Unlawful Possession of Stolen Property (Misdemeanor) Fifth Degree
- Second degree obstruction of government administration (misdemeanor)
- Resisting Arrest (Misdemeanor)
- Disturbance (misdemeanor)
Destine was also charged with second-degree assault after she allegedly assaulted a police officer outside a Nassau County courthouse following her initial court appearance on April 17.
McKenzie’s family told reporters outside court that he always avoided confrontation when possible.
“David was the type of guy who would try to walk away,” said his sister-in-law, Vivienne Williams. “This is a truly sad time for this family. It’s a wound that will take a long time to heal.”
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