The death of James Beck, 19, and Jesus Bonilla, 20, both of Commack, were arraigned in Suffolk County Court on Wednesday, June 21 on second-degree manslaughter and other charges.
On Nov. 19, 2022, the two raced each other on the Jericho Turnpike in Huntington, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office.
Witnesses told investigators they saw Cooper’s Saab SUV and Bonilla’s Honda sedan driving side by side at high speed, running a red light and plunging into oncoming traffic shortly before the crash.
At some point during the race, Baker, 57, of Huntington Station, was struck while crossing the Jericho Turnpike near Totten Avenue, according to prosecutors. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
“These two defendants allegedly put innocent lives at risk by racing,” Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said in a statement.
“Our roads in Suffolk are not racing tracks. Anyone driving recklessly and endangering the lives of Suffolk residents will be held accountable.”
In court Wednesday, Cooper and Bonilla were charged with second-degree manslaughter, felony and reckless driving, which is a misdemeanor.
Each of them was released on supervised release while their cases were ongoing.
Bonilla will return to court on Thursday, July 13 and Cooper is scheduled to appear again on Monday, July 17.
according to a to fund me To help the family, Baker leaves behind his wife and two teenage daughters.
“His loss is immeasurable and his presence irreplaceable, but for those of us who must find our way, we will follow his resilience, his dogged spirit of not giving up no matter what,” said GoFundMe on wrote.
As of Wednesday, the campaign had raised more than $20,000.Interested donors can do it here.
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