A Brooklyn man has been handed down a prison sentence ranging from four to 12 years following a tragic car crash that claimed the life of a local woman in Bushwick last year. Juan Lopez, a 33-year-old resident of Cypress Hills, was sentenced after pleading guilty to second-degree manslaughter, along with other charges related to a high-speed chase and the fatal accident resulting from his actions. According to the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office, during his sentencing Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Eugene Guarino decided to effectively penalize Lopez for his choices that ultimately led to the untimely death of Micah Elizabeth Dukes, a 29-year-old passenger.
On May 26, 2024, Lopez was driving a black 2018 Mercedes Benz when NYPD officers from the 83rd Precinct tried to stop him for speeding on Gates Avenue. Refusing to comply, Lopez rapidly accelerated and chose to run a red light at the intersection of Gates Avenue and Central Avenue, resulting in a violent collision with a 2005 Honda Pilot. "By speeding, fleeing police, and running a red light, this defendant turned his car into a deadly weapon," said District Attorney Eric Gonzalez. "His reckless choices stole a young woman’s future and caused immeasurable grief to her loved ones," as mentioned on the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office website. Dukes, who was ejected from the Honda during the crash, later succumbed to severe injuries.
Investigations revealed that at the time of the crash, the black box of Lopez's vehicle showed he was traveling at approximately 75 miles per hour just five seconds before the collision. Following the incident, Lopez attempted to flee the scene on foot but was quickly apprehended by responding officers. Upon his capture, signs of intoxication were observed, and Lopez later admitted to consuming alcohol before getting behind the wheel. The district attorney underscored the consequences of Lopez's severe lapse in judgment, emphasizing the legal and emotional ramifications entailed.
Prosecutors Senior Assistant District Attorney Christopher Brogna and Assistant District Attorney Brendan Fitzpatrick led the case against Lopez, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorney Robert Walsh, Bureau Chief. Their efforts were buttressed by the work of Assistant District Attorney Christopher Velez, Deputy Chief of the District Attorney’s Street Safety Bureau and Assistant District Attorney Jennifer Nocella, Chief of the Bureau.
