Two Commack men have been indicted on manslaughter and other charges in the death of a pedestrian in November.
Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney said Wednesday that Jared Cooper, 19, of Commack, and Jesus Bonilla, 20, of Commack were racing west on Jericho Turnpike and struck James Beck, 57, at the intersection with Totten Avenue in Huntington Station.
According to court documents, on Nov. 19, 2022, Cooper, who was driving a 2008 Saab
SUV, and Bonilla, who was driving a 2009 Honda Sedan, were seen driving side by side at a high rate of speed, running red lights, and crossing into oncoming traffic.
During the race, Beck was struck as he was walking across Jericho Turnpike at the intersection of
Totten Avenue.He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Cooper and Bonilla were arraigned Wednesday on the indictment by Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro, for Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony, and
Reckless Driving, an Unclassified misdemeanor. Both defendants were placed on supervised
release.
Cooper is due back in court on July 17. Bonilla is due back in court on July 13.
https://huntingtonnow.com/services-scheduled-for-james-beck/