A Cypress Hills man, Juan Lopez, 33, has pleaded guilty to charges of manslaughter, among others, following a fatal car crash in Bushwick that resulted in the death of a 29-year-old woman, Micah Elizabeth Dukes. The Brooklyn District Attorney's Office disclosed the defendant's plea, which includes a sentencing agreement of four to 12 years in prison.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez remarked, "This defendant’s reckless and criminal actions cost an innocent woman her life, devastating her family and loved ones," as reported by the Brooklyn DA's Office. Lopez's admission of guilt acknowledges the irreversible harm from the May 26, 2024, incident where he struck Dukes' car while fleeing police at high speed.
According to information from the Brooklyn DA's Office, NYPD officers attempted to pull Lopez over on Gates Avenue in Bushwick after observing his excessive speed. Instead of stopping, Lopez ran a red light at roughly 75 mph and collided with a Honda Pilot, causing fatal injuries to Dukes who was ejected from the vehicle. The tragic event culminated with her passing on June 8, 2024, after suffering severe head injuries, a facial injury, and a punctured lung.
Post-crash, Lopez attempted to escape on foot but was quickly apprehended by the police. Officers noted signs of intoxication, and, Lopez later confessed to having consumed alcohol prior to driving. The case was prosecuted by Senior Assistant District Attorney Christopher Brogna of the District Attorney’s Grey Zone Trial Bureau with assistance from Robert Walsh, Bureau Chief.
The final sentencing is scheduled for September 30, as Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Edward King reviewed the details of the plea agreement. The defendant remains in custody without bail until the sentencing hearing.
