MINEOLA, NY – Rachel Lodice, a 21-year-old from Georgia, was arraigned today in Nassau County on multiple charges including manslaughter and vehicular manslaughter, following a deadly incident on Sunrise Highway in Massapequa. The crash, which occurred in April 2024, resulted in the death of 64-year-old Cynthia Mitchell and injuries to another passenger.
Lodice faces a series of charges, including second-degree manslaughter and operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs. She pleaded not guilty and her bail was set at varying amounts totaling up to $1.25 million partially secured bond. She is due back in court on July 8, 2024.
According to Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly, Lodice was allegedly driving under the influence of marijuana, engaging in reckless driving behavior which culminated in the fatal collision. The crash not only claimed Mitchell’s life but also left her passenger with severe injuries.
The sequence of events leading to the crash began with Lodice allegedly speeding and driving erratically along Hicksville Road, eventually running a red light and colliding with Mitchell’s vehicle. Following the collision, Lodice reportedly commandeered a Town of Oyster Bay public safety vehicle and fled the scene, only stopping when the vehicle was remotely disabled.
The case highlights the severe risks and potential consequences of impaired driving, with DA Donnelly urging residents to refrain from driving under the influence of marijuana or alcohol. The community and Mitchell’s family continue to mourn the significant loss.