Prosecutors say BMW was traveling over 80 mph before deadly impact
Mineola, NY – A Farmingville man has been indicted on manslaughter charges following a high-speed crash in Hicksville that killed two 19-year-old women earlier this year, Nassau County prosecutors announced.
Frank Labidi, 24, was arraigned on charges including two counts of second-degree manslaughter and two counts of second-degree assault in connection with the January 23 crash on West Old Country Road. He pleaded not guilty and remains held on bail set at $500,000 cash, $1.25 million bond, or $2.5 million partially secured bond.
Crash data shows high speed, no braking
“Two 19-year-old women are dead because this defendant allegedly chose to drive like he was on a racetrack instead of a public roadway,” Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly said. “Traveling more than 80 miles per hour in a 40 mile per hour zone… this defendant was at max acceleration when he spun out and slammed into a tree.”
According to prosecutors, Labidi was driving a 2018 BMW M5 westbound at approximately 11:30 p.m. with passengers Lindsey Parke and Alexa Duryea, both 19. Authorities say he lost control, crossed into oncoming traffic, and crashed into a tree and a commercial building.
Key Points
- 24-year-old driver indicted on manslaughter charges in fatal January crash
- Two 19-year-old passengers killed after vehicle struck tree at high speed
- Data shows car traveling 82 mph with no braking in 40 mph zone
Vehicle modifications and racing history cited
Investigators said crash data indicated the vehicle was traveling 82 miles per hour with full acceleration and no braking seconds before impact. The car’s stability control system had also been manually disabled, a feature prosecutors say is sometimes turned off to allow drifting.
“Speeding and reckless maneuvering are not harmless thrills. They are deadly choices,” Donnelly said.
Authorities allege Labidi had spent more than $35,000 modifying the vehicle’s engine and transmission and had a history of racing the car, including at a Pennsylvania raceway.
The crash killed both passengers instantly when the vehicle’s passenger side struck the tree. Labidi sustained minor injuries and was later arrested on January 30 by Nassau County Police homicide detectives.
If convicted, he faces up to 7 to 15 years in prison. He is due back in court on April 28.