NEW CITY, NY — A Nyack woman pleaded guilty to multiple felony charges Tuesday for a June 2024 drunk-driving crash that killed one of her passengers and seriously injured another before she fled the scene without calling for help.
Elizabeth Mitchell, 45, admitted to all counts in an indictment that included aggravated vehicular homicide, manslaughter, assault, vehicular assault, leaving the scene of a fatal accident, and driving while intoxicated. She was sentenced to 7 to 21 years in state prison after the Rockland County District Attorney’s Office had recommended the maximum term of 8 1/3 to 25 years.
Key Points
- Elizabeth Mitchell pleaded guilty to all charges stemming from a fatal 2024 DWI crash in Nyack.
- She was sentenced to 7–21 years in prison for causing the death of Jahaad Muhammad and injuring Devonte Jones.
- Mitchell had multiple prior DUI convictions in California, including a past hit-and-run.
Authorities said Mitchell was intoxicated while driving at nearly 70 mph in a 30 mph zone on June 9, 2024. She failed to stop at an intersection, crashed into a metal barrier and fence, and then fled the scene without reporting the accident. The crash resulted in the death of front-seat passenger Jahaad Muhammad and seriously injured back-seat passenger Devonte Jones.
Mitchell’s record includes multiple prior convictions for driving under the influence in California, one of which also involved a hit-and-run. District Attorney Thomas E. Walsh, II, said, “The defendant has multiple prior driving under the influence convictions… She will now be held accountable for her actions.”
Background on the fatal Rockland County crash
The case was investigated by the Orangetown Police Department. Prosecutors said Mitchell’s behavior after the crash — fleeing the scene and failing to notify emergency services — further endangered the lives of her passengers.
Mitchell entered her guilty plea in Rockland County Court. Supervising Assistant District Attorney Meghan Garvey and Executive Assistant District Attorney Michael Dugandzic led the prosecution. Sentencing is set for July 2025.
The court’s imposed sentence was slightly below the maximum recommended by the District Attorney’s Office but still reflects the severity of the crash and Mitchell’s criminal history.
A 70 mph drunk drive through Nyack led to death, injury, and a 21-year prison sentence.
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