MINEOLA, N.Y. – A Plainview woman has been indicted on manslaughter and drugged driving charges in connection with a high-speed August crash that killed a 55-year-old man and injured two others in East Meadow.
Cassandra Panetta, 41, pleaded not guilty Friday to multiple felony and misdemeanor counts stemming from the collision that prosecutors say was fueled by methamphetamine use.
Bail was set at $500,000 cash, $750,000 bond, and $1 million partially secured bond. Panetta is scheduled to return to court on December 4 and faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Key Points
- Cassandra Panetta, 41, charged with manslaughter and drugged driving after fatal August crash in East Meadow.
- Prosecutors say she ran a red light while under the influence of methamphetamine, killing 55-year-old Steven Diamond.
- Panetta pleaded not guilty; bail set at $500,000 cash, with trial proceedings set to continue in December.
Fatal crash followed red light run
According to Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly, Panetta was driving a 2021 Nissan Maxima on August 10 around 1 p.m. when she failed to stop for a steady red light at Carman Avenue and Salisbury Park Drive. At that same moment, another car carrying three people was turning left through a green light onto Carman Avenue.
Panetta allegedly sped through the intersection without braking, crashing into the rear driver’s side of the victims’ vehicle. The impact caused heavy damage and left the backseat passenger, 55-year-old Steven Diamond, in cardiac arrest. He was later pronounced dead at Nassau County Medical Center at 3:13 p.m.
Victims and injuries detailed
The driver of the struck vehicle suffered a concussion, while a front-seat passenger received minor injuries. Panetta sustained a fractured wrist in the crash.
Forensic testing of her blood later revealed methamphetamine and amphetamine, leading prosecutors to charge her with drug-impaired driving and manslaughter.
District attorney vows accountability
“This defendant’s alleged decision to drive while under the influence of methamphetamine had irreversible consequences,” DA Donnelly said. “My prosecutors will continue to pursue justice for Steven and hold accountable those who endanger drivers through drug use behind the wheel.”
Case prosecution and legal oversight
The Nassau County Police Department’s Homicide Squad arrested Panetta on October 17 following toxicology results. The case is being handled by Assistant District Attorney James Taglienti of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau, under the supervision of Bureau Chief Michael Bushwack and Executive Assistant District Attorney Kevin Higgins.
Panetta is represented by defense attorney Michael DerGarabedian.