High-speed crash fueled by drugs kills sister and friend as driver pleads guilty
MINEOLA, NY — A Queens man admitted he was behind the wheel at more than 120 mph while high on marijuana when a horrific crash killed his own sister and a friend on the Southern State Parkway, prosecutors said.
Jaden D’Souza, 20, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide and multiple other charges tied to the deadly crash that unfolded late at night in January.
Authorities said D’Souza was driving a 2016 Dodge Dart eastbound near Exit 30 when he began weaving through traffic at extreme speeds before losing control.
The car veered off the roadway and slammed into a tree, flipping over and coming to rest upside down on the shoulder.
The impact proved fatal.
Crystal Alba-Figueroa, 23, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene, while D’Souza’s 21-year-old sister, Haily D’Souza, was trapped in the backseat and also died at the scene.
A third passenger, a 23-year-old man, survived but suffered severe injuries, including spinal fractures and a traumatic brain injury.
The crash also triggered a secondary accident when a spare tire from D’Souza’s vehicle flew off and struck another car, sending it into a guardrail and injuring that driver.
Investigators later found multiple cannabis products inside the wreckage, including THC-infused items, rolling papers and a bong.
A blood test taken after the crash confirmed high levels of the impairing component of cannabis in D’Souza’s system.
Data from the vehicle showed he was traveling at 123 mph when he lost control.
Prosecutors blasted the reckless behavior, saying the defendant treated the roadway “like an arcade game” while putting lives at risk.
D’Souza is expected to be sentenced to between 7 and 18 years in prison when he returns to court on May 8.
Key Points
- Driver pleaded guilty after deadly high-speed crash killed two passengers
- Victims included his 21-year-old sister and a 23-year-old woman
- Defendant was driving 123 mph and under the influence of marijuana