EAST MEADOW, NY – Nassau County Police have arrested a Plainview woman following an investigation into a fatal vehicle collision that occurred in August in East Meadow, resulting in the death of a Farmingdale man.
According to homicide detectives, the crash occurred on Sunday, August 10, 2025, at approximately 1:19 p.m., near the intersection of Carman Avenue and Salisbury Park Drive. Police say a 2012 Nissan Maxima, driven by a 40-year-old woman traveling north on Carman Avenue, collided with a 2024 Nissan Altima driven by a 57-year-old woman who was making a left turn from Salisbury Park Drive onto Carman Avenue.
The Altima was also occupied by two passengers – a 55-year-old man and a 56-year-old woman. All four individuals were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment. The 55-year-old male passenger, later identified as Steven Diamond, 55, of Farmingdale, was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The remaining occupants sustained minor injuries.
Following a detailed investigation, detectives arrested Cassandra Panetta, 40, of Belmont Avenue, Plainview, on Friday, October 17, 2025, in connection with the crash.
Panetta faces multiple charges, including Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree, Assault in the 2nd Degree, Assault in the 3rd Degree, Vehicular Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree, Reckless Driving, and Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI).
She was arraigned the same day at Nassau County Court, located at 262 Old Country Road, Mineola.
The investigation remains ongoing.
Key Facts & Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Date & Time of Crash | Sunday, August 10, 2025 – 1:19 p.m. |
| Location | Intersection of Carman Avenue and Salisbury Park Drive, East Meadow |
| Vehicles Involved | 2012 Nissan Maxima; 2024 Nissan Altima |
| Deceased Victim | Steven Diamond, 55, of Farmingdale |
| Other Injuries | Three individuals sustained minor injuries |
| Defendant Arrested | Cassandra Panetta, 40, of Plainview |
| Charges | Manslaughter 2nd Degree; Assault 2nd & 3rd Degree; Vehicular Manslaughter 2nd Degree; Reckless Driving; DWAI |
| Arraignment | October 17, 2025 – Nassau County Court, Mineola |
| Investigating Unit | Nassau County Police Homicide Squad |
