(WNY News Now) – Buffalo – A Cheektowaga woman will serve up to 10 years in prison for a drunk driving crash that claimed the life of a Lockport woman on Transit Road.
Alondra L. Ramirez-Santiago, 25, of Cheektowaga, was sentenced to 3 1/3 to 10 years in prison for causing a fatal collision while driving under the influence. The sentencing took place before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek, who also revoked her license indefinitely.
The crash occurred on the night of February 26, 2024, at approximately 9:00 p.m. on the 6300 block of Transit Road in the Town of Cheektowaga. Ramirez-Santiago was driving southbound at a high rate of speed without headlights when she collided with another vehicle. She was found to be under the influence of alcohol.
The crash resulted in the death of 51-year-old Jennifer Hylkema of Lockport, who succumbed to her injuries at ECMC. Hylkema’s son, a passenger in the vehicle, was treated and released from the hospital. Ramirez-Santiago was also hospitalized with injuries following the incident.
Ramirez-Santiago pleaded guilty to Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, a Class “B” felony, and Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class “D” felony, on July 24, 2024. Her reckless actions led to the tragic death of Hylkema, and she now faces the consequences of her actions.
Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane praised the investigative efforts of Lieutenant David Vogel, Officer Shane Rogers, the Cheektowaga Police Accident Investigation Unit, and the Lancaster Police Department.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine O. Murray of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.
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