Charges upgraded for driver in fatal SSP crash

An alleged drunken driver accused of causing a crash that killed a father and his two daughters on the Southern State Parkway faced upgraded charges Thursday. O'Niel Sharpe Jr., 24, of Rockville Centre,

News 12 Staff

Aug 28, 2015, 12:10 AM

Updated 3,158 days ago

Share:

Charges upgraded for driver in fatal SSP crash
An alleged drunken driver accused of causing a crash that killed a father and his two daughters on the Southern State Parkway faced upgraded charges Thursday.
O'Niel Sharpe Jr., 24, of Rockville Centre, now faces aggravated vehicular homicide charges.
Prosecutors say Sharpe was drunk and driving at speeds of up to 130 mph when he slammed into the back of a car carrying the Ostane family from Queens. The children's mother survived the crash.
"While she survived this crash, she had to watch in horror...as her husband and children were trapped in their car, screaming for help, consumed by fire, and ultimately burned to death," says Suffolk District Attorney Tom Spota.
At the arraignment, Spota played a cellphone video that he says shows Sharpe throwing away a tequila bottle into the woods. The bottle was later recovered by investigators.
Demetri Stewart, who allegedly drove Sharpe away from the scene, was also arraigned today. Officials say Stewart helped Sharpe flee the crash scene.
Sharpe's attorney John Manley says his client was not intoxicated, not driving recklessly and did not leave the scene of the accident with any ill intentions.
Both Sharpe and Stewart are due back in court Oct. 1.


More from News 12
2:05
Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

1:35
Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

Cloudy start to the weekend before sun comes through

0:37
Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

1:42
FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

0:22
East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

1:44
Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

2:28
Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

0:35
Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

1:46
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

0:51
Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

0:35
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

1:46
Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

2:10
News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

0:42
Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

Community raises $12,000 for workers of Merrick bar closed due to fire

0:23
Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road

Police: Hempstead man stole parking meters near Jericho Turnpike and Roslyn Road