Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced an indictment against Bekim Fiseku, the man at the center of a tragic incident that claimed the life of a bicyclist in Astoria last year. In an event that highlights the perils cyclists often face on city streets, Fiseku faces serious charges including murder and manslaughter, among others. As reported by the Queens District Attorney's office, he was allegedly fleeing a burglary and struck 36-year-old cyclist Amanda Servedio, who had the right of way at the time of the accident.
According to the indictment details released by the Queens District Attorney, Fiseku's alleged actions on the night of the accident have now led him to be charged on multiple counts. It appears the suspect was trying to avoid apprehension for a separate crime when he caused the fatal collision. In a 10-minute chase, which Katz described as a "crowded" ordeal through the streets of Long Island City and Astoria, Fiseku is said to have ran through a solid red light and to have fatally hit Servedio. She was pronounced dead at a local hospital following the crash. The defendant, after abandoning his damaged car, reportedly fled the jurisdiction.
A grand jury handed down a 12-count indictment, touching on charges that ranged from murder in the second degree to unlawful fleeing a police officer. The decision to indict was made after an investigation by the DA's Vehicular Homicide Unit along with NYPD assistance, as per the announcement from District Attorney Katz. If convicted of the top charge, Fiseku stands to face up to 25 years to life in prison.
On the night of October 22, 2024, Fiseku allegedly first drew police attention when officers responded to a burglary in progress at a commercial building in Long Island City. A chase ensued soon after officers tried, but failed, to stop the suspect's 2023 Dodge Ram. Fiseku is said to have quickly fled, continuing his escape even after striking Servedio. Inside the abandoned vehicle, police found burglary tools and two cellphones, one registered to Fiseku. The District Attorney's Office has also expressed gratitude to the FBI and US Marshals for their assistance in the case.
Supreme Court Justice Ushir Pandit-Durant has remanded Fiseku and scheduled for him to return to court on July 30. The proceedings are being prosecuted by the District Attorney's dedicated Vehicular Homicide Unit, with the end goal of bringing closure to the case and justice for the victims affected by this incident.
