New details have emerged regarding Autumn Donna Ascencio Romero, a 23-year-old woman who stands accused of causing a fatal collision near the Manhattan Bridge in Chinatown. Romero faces charges of murder and additional felonies following an incident where a stolen Chevy Malibu she was driving collided with May Kwok, aged 63, and bicyclist Kevin Cruickshank, aged 55. The collision occurred in the early hours of a Saturday morning.
Incident Details
According to prosecutors, Romero confessed to having consumed alcohol before the crash and driving the vehicle involved. Despite her refusal to undergo a breathalyzer or blood test at the hospital, Romero admitted to being the driver. Authorities discovered an open tequila bottle and a cup of alcohol in the car, along with loaded firearms and ammunition in the trunk.
Escape Attempt
Following the collision, Romero and another individual, Kennedy Lecraft, allegedly tried to flee on foot. Witnesses observed them leaving the damaged car and sitting close to one of the victims before attempting to hail a taxi. Witnesses intervened, preventing their escape until law enforcement arrived.
Legal Actions
Lecraft, who had rented the Malibu, will face charges including possession of stolen property and possession of a weapon. On the other hand, Romero appeared in court, where her attorney attributed the crash to Lecraft. Despite being a nursing student, Romero is currently held without bail as the legal proceedings continue.
Previous Charges
Prosecutors highlighted that Romero was also facing charges in Brooklyn for a previous hit-and-run incident. This incident involved her allegedly hitting a woman exiting an Uber without a valid license.
Judge Michelle Weber ordered Romero to remain in custody without bail until her next court appearance scheduled for Thursday.
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