Manhattan DA Sentences Two for Fatal Hit-and-Run That Killed Father of Six.

In a tragic case of reckless driving, Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg Jr. has announced prison sentences for Cary Brown, 30, and Marcos Vega-Pagan, 26, following a fatal hit-and-run on the Henry Hudson Parkway. The incident resulted in the death of 42-year-old Joel Quintana, a father of six, leaving his family devastated.

Both defendants pleaded guilty to charges of Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting and Criminally Negligent Homicide. Brown was sentenced on February 26 to 3 to 9 years in prison, while Vega-Pagan received a sentence of 3 2/3 to 11 years in prison on March 5.

Details of the Tragic Incident

The fatal incident occurred on August 3, 2023, at approximately 10:50 p.m. On that night, Brown and Vega-Pagan were racing their vehicles southbound on the Henry Hudson Parkway.

As admitted in their guilty pleas, Vega-Pagan struck Joel Quintana while he was riding his motorcycle near West 145th Street. The impact caused Quintana to be thrown onto the road, and Brown then ran him over.

Both men fled the scene of the accident without attempting to provide assistance. Their reckless actions left a family devastated by the loss of a father, who was a well-loved member of his community.

Legal Sentencing and Accountability for Reckless Driving

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg spoke out about the tragedy, emphasizing the importance of accountability when it comes to reckless driving. "This was a horrific tragedy that has left a family with six children continuing to grieve," Bragg said.

"Accountability for out-of-control driving is an important component of achieving overall public safety. When people fail to follow the rules of the road, it puts the well-being of everyone who goes about their day in Manhattan at risk."

The sentences handed down to Brown and Vega-Pagan serve as a reminder of the consequences of failing to act responsibly behind the wheel.

Vega-Pagan's Attempt to Cover Up the Incident

Following the hit-and-run, Vega-Pagan tried to cover up the crime. The next day, he contacted his insurance provider, State Farm, and falsely claimed that the damage to his BMW had occurred when it was struck while parked. This dishonest attempt to mislead authorities only compounded the severity of his actions and added another layer of deceit to the case.

Joel Quintana’s family is still reeling from the loss of their loved one. His death has left behind six children and countless friends and family members. While the legal consequences for Brown and Vega-Pagan bring some measure of justice, the Quintana family continues to face the heartbreak of losing a father.

In New York, leaving the scene of an accident involving injury is a serious crime, punishable by fines and jail time. Drivers must stop, provide their driver’s license and insurance, and report the incident to police. If the injury is serious, penalties increase.

For a first offense of failing to report, the penalty is a Class B misdemeanor, with up to 90 days in jail, a fine of $250 to $500, and four points on the driver’s license. Subsequent violations can lead to a Class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of $500 to $1,000, and six points on the driver’s license.

If the injury is classified as “serious physical injury,” the crime becomes a Class E felony, with stiffer penalties.

Drivers are also required to remain at the scene even if they’re not at fault, and failure to do so results in harsher penalties. Courts may impose additional jail time if intoxication is suspected, and drivers may face prosecution even if they were not at fault, as long as the injury occurred. Reporting delays may be excused with valid reasons.

Leaving the Scene of an Accident in New York: Laws and Penalties

In New York, leaving the scene of an accident with injuries without reporting it is a crime. Drivers must stop, provide their license and insurance, and report the incident to law enforcement. Failing to do so can lead to significant penalties.

A first offense of failing to provide information is a Class B misdemeanor, punishable by up to 90 days in jail, a $250-$500 fine, and 4 points on the driver’s license. Subsequent offenses escalate to a Class A misdemeanor, with penalties of up to 1 year in jail, a $500-$1000 fine, and 6 points.

If the injury is serious, the charge becomes a Class E felony, with harsher penalties. Leaving the scene to avoid DUI charges can result in additional time. Drivers must remain at the scene if anyone is injured, even if they’re not at fault. Delays in reporting may be excused if there’s a valid reason, but failure to report quickly can lead to serious legal consequences.