(WNY News Now) – Buffalo – A Cheektowaga resident faces severe charges for a fatal accident involving reckless, intoxicated driving.
Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 24-year-old Alondra L. Ramirez-Santiago of Cheektowaga was arraigned this morning before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek on an indictment charging her with one count of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (Class “B” violent felony) and one count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony).
It is alleged that on Monday, February 26, 2024, at approximately 9:00 p.m., police responded to a two-vehicle collision on the 6300 block of Transit Road between Cloverleaf Drive and Rehm Road. The defendant was allegedly driving southbound on Transit Road when she caused a crash with another vehicle. The defendant is accused of recklessly driving a vehicle, without the headlights illuminated, at a high-rate of speed while under the influence of alcohol.
The driver and the passenger of the other vehicle were taken by ambulance to ECMC. The driver, 51-year-old Jennifer Hylkema of Lockport, died at the hospital. The passenger, the victim’s son, was treated and released from the hospital. The defendant was also taken by ambulance to ECMC where she was treated for injuries.
Ramirez-Santiagois scheduled to return on Wednesday, July 24, 2024 at 9:30 a.m. for a pre-trial conference. She remains released on bail previously set at $75,000 cash or $100,000 bond.
If convicted of the highest charge, Ramirez-Santiagofaces a maximum sentence of 25 years in prison.
Acting DA Keane commends the Cheektowaga Police Department Accident Investigation Unit and the Lancaster Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine O. Murray of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.
As are all persons accused of a crime, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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