RIVERHEAD, NY — Charges are mounting against the man accused of killing four people after driving drunk and crashing into a Long Island nail salon.
Steven Schwally now faces 28 felony charges and, if convicted, could face 25 years to life in prison for the fatal crash in Deer Park on June 28th.
The salon owner, two employees and Emilia Rennhack, an off-duty NYPD officerwere killed when Schwally’s vehicle crashed into the Hawaii Nail & Spa on Grand Avenue. Nine people were injured.
Prosecutors seek rare murder charge
On Thursday, prosecutors charged Schwally with four counts of second-degree murder, not manslaughter, a rare charge in a fatal crash.
The 64-year-old was previously charged with driving under the influence.
“This was a conscious decision by this defendant to drive under the influence and then operate the motor vehicle with a depraved disregard for human life,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney.
Driver allegedly drank 2 bottles of Long Island iced tea
Prosecutors said Schwally was drinking in a hotel room and in his car on the day of the crash after purchasing two large bottles of an alcoholic Long Island iced tea cocktail.
Schwally reportedly increased his speed to 78 mph when he pulled into the salon while employees and customers were enjoying an afternoon. His blood alcohol content was .17, more than double the legal limitaccording to the prosecutors.
Schwally allegedly drove through stop signs, a red light and crosswalks at high speed, sending pedestrians running for their lives, before crashing into the salon.
Schwally was taken into custody and his driver’s license was revoked. The judge said he would not grant bail.
Jennifer McLogan
