Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. disclosed today the indictments of two individuals, Autumn Romero and Kennedy Lecraft, intertwined in a deadly vehicle incident that struck Chinatown in July, as per the official Manhattan District Attorney's Office release. Romero faces severe charges including murder and vehicular manslaughter, while accomplice Lecraft is charged with weapon and stolen property possession among other offenses, their joyride culminated in a tragic aftermath, snatching lives from the unsuspecting.
In the somber morning hours of July 19, the streets of Chinatown were stained by a reckless chase that surged over the Manhattan Bridge, terminated two pedestrians—Kevin Cruickshank and May Kwok— forever altering the course of their families' histories, their lives shattered by a vehicle that erupted into their serene world at a menacing pace, Romero alleged to be the driver, rocketing at over 100 MPH. "Kevin Cruickshank and May Kwok were simply enjoying their mornings outside when Autumn Romero and Kennedy Lecraft allegedly crashed into them at a high speed, tragically ending their lives," stated Bragg, his words resonating the gravity of loss, with a commitment to seeking justice for the bereft loved ones, as per the Manhattan District Attorney's Office.
According to the same press statement, post-collision, the charged pair's conduct appeared nonchalant, they dismounted the wrecked stolen vehicle, loitered curbside, rummaged through the car, and then attempted to flee—seemingly indifferent to the chaos unfolded by their hands—only to be intercepted by the vigilant eyes of the community and swiftly apprehended by law enforcement.
The search of the vehicle uncovered not only a bottle indicating alcohol consumption, but also firearms and ammunition adding a nefarious layer to the event, Romero's and Lecraft's charges are now funneled through the judicial system as Assistant Attorneys Luna, Strain, and Paparo take the helm of the case, supported by the prosecutorial team; Bragg also delivered his accolades to the NYPD for their pivotal role—in particular Officer Robyn Camacho of the 5th Precinct, and Detectives Ronny Velez and Ramon Pina of the Highway Collision Investigation Squad—they pieced together a narrative, brick by brick, that brought forth indictments aimed at delivering justice.
