Man sentenced up to 18 years in prison for Southern State Parkway crash that killed sister, friend
Prosecutors say Jaden D'Souza was driving 123 mph while high on marijuana when he lost control near Exit 30 in January of 2025.
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A driver who killed his sister and her friend during a crash on the Southern State Parkway has been sentenced to up to 18 years in prison.
Prosecutors say Jaden D'Souza was driving 123 mph while high on marijuana when he lost control near Exit 30 in January of 2025.
The vehicle went off the road and crashed into a tree, landing upside down on a nearby shoulder.
His sister, Haily, was trapped in the rear passenger seat and pronounced dead at the scene. Crystal Alba-Figueroa was ejected from the vehicle and killed.
A 23-year-old male passenger sustained serious spinal fractures and a traumatic brain injury, according to authorities.
Prosecutors say a spare tire also flew off D'Souza’s car, struck another vehicle and made it crash into a guardrail. The driver of that vehicle was injured as well.
The 20-year-old pleaded guilty in March to aggravated vehicular homicide, manslaughter, assault and driving while ability impaired by drugs.
Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly spoke about the sentencing in a press release on Friday.
In it, she calls D'Souza’s actions extremely reckless and highlights the tragic loss of life that occurred.
“This sentence sends a clear message that there is a heavy price to pay for such a flagrant disregard for human life. Our hearts are with the victims’ families, and we hope this result brings them a measure of justice,” she said.
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