MASSAPEQUA, N.Y. – A Lindenhurst man pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges in connection with a high-speed crash that claimed the lives of four people on Long Island in 2023. Authorities say 33-year-old Michael DeAngelo admitted to driving under the influence of cocaine and fentanyl at the time of the collision.
The fatal crash occurred on Sunrise Highway in East Massapequa in August 2023. Investigators say DeAngelo was traveling at approximately 120 miles per hour when he slammed into another vehicle carrying members of the Huntley family. Killed in the crash were Marine veteran Patrice Huntley, his two children, and his six-year-old step-granddaughter. Two additional children were seriously injured.
Prosecutors charged DeAngelo with aggravated vehicular homicide, multiple counts of manslaughter in the second degree, aggravated vehicular assault, and additional charges related to driving while impaired by drugs. The charges reflect the severity of the crash, as well as DeAngelo’s prior criminal history.
Court documents reveal that DeAngelo reached a plea agreement that includes a potential sentence of 7 to 21 years in state prison. He is expected to be sentenced on June 28, 2024, by Judge Robert Schwartz in Mineola.
The case is among the most serious drug-impaired driving incidents on Long Island in recent memory. Law enforcement officials and prosecutors have cited it as an example of the increasing dangers posed by drivers under the influence of narcotics. In recent years, local authorities have reported a rise in cases involving drugged driving, with similarly tragic outcomes.
The plea follows nearly a year of legal proceedings and community outrage over the loss of life. Prosecutors emphasized that DeAngelo’s actions were not only reckless but preventable, highlighting the broader public safety risks associated with impaired driving.
DeAngelo remains in custody as he awaits formal sentencing later this month.
Q&A: What Readers Want to Know About the Deadly Massapequa Crash Case
1. Who was Michael DeAngelo, and what was his background?
Michael DeAngelo is a 33-year-old man from Lindenhurst, Long Island. He has a prior criminal record and was under the influence of drugs at the time of the crash.
2. What were the circumstances of the crash?
The crash occurred on Sunrise Highway in East Massapequa. DeAngelo was reportedly driving at about 120 mph when he struck a vehicle carrying a family, resulting in multiple fatalities.
3. Who were the victims in this case?
The victims included Marine veteran Patrice Huntley, his two children, and his six-year-old step-granddaughter. Two other young passengers sustained serious injuries.
4. What substances were found in DeAngelo’s system?
Toxicology reports revealed that DeAngelo was under the influence of cocaine and fentanyl at the time of the crash.
5. What charges did DeAngelo plead guilty to?
He pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide, second-degree manslaughter, aggravated vehicular assault, and driving while impaired by drugs.
6. What is the expected sentence?
Under the plea agreement, DeAngelo faces a sentence ranging from 7 to 21 years in state prison.
7. When will sentencing take place?
Sentencing is scheduled for June 28, 2024, in Mineola, Nassau County.
8. Has DeAngelo expressed any remorse or issued a statement?
As of now, no public statement of remorse has been released. Any such remarks may be made during sentencing.
9. What has been the community response to the case?
The case has sparked outrage and grief across Long Island, with renewed calls for stronger enforcement against drug-impaired driving.
10. How are local authorities addressing drug-impaired driving incidents?
Officials have cited this case as a warning sign and are reportedly increasing efforts to combat impaired driving through education, patrols, and legislation.
