SUFFOLK COUNTY, N.Y. – A Suffolk County grand jury has indicted Kerri Bedrick, 32, of Centerport, on multiple charges, including second-degree murder, for allegedly causing a wrong-way crash that killed her 9-year-old son. The crash occurred while Bedrick was reportedly fleeing law enforcement while impaired by methamphetamine, officials announced on Wednesday.
“The charges returned by the grand jury reflect the severe nature of the alleged offenses. The loss of life in this incident, particularly that of a young child, is heartbreaking,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney.
On August 22, 2024, around 2:15 a.m., a deputy sheriff observed Bedrick driving a 2022 Mitsubishi Eclipse westbound in the eastbound lanes of the Southern State Parkway at high speed. Despite attempts by the deputy to stop her, Bedrick allegedly accelerated, driving into oncoming traffic at speeds of up to 100 mph. Her vehicle eventually collided head-on with a Mercedes GLS SUV, resulting in a multi-car crash.
Bedrick’s 9-year-old son, who was in the back seat, was found unconscious at the scene. Despite efforts to save him, he was pronounced dead at South Shore Hospital.
Two other motorists sustained non-life-threatening injuries.
Bedrick has been charged with two counts of second-degree murder, aggravated vehicular homicide, manslaughter, and a range of other felonies and misdemeanors, including driving while impaired and reckless endangerment.
Her driving history shows 56 suspensions on eight separate dates. Bedrick is currently being held without bail and faces up to 25 years to life in prison if convicted. She is due back in court on October 22, 2024.