Closing arguments conclude in trial of driver accused in deadly Deer Park nail salon crash
A jury is set to begin deliberations after closing arguments concluded in the trial of Steven Schwally, who is accused of driving drunk and killing four people when his vehicle crashed into a Deer Park nail salon in 2024.
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Closing arguments have wrapped up in the trial of a man accused of driving drunk and killing four people when his vehicle crashed into a nail salon in Deer Park last year.
Prosecutors allege that Steven Schwally was intoxicated when he slammed into the business in 2024, causing a devastating crash that left four people dead.
According to prosecutors, Schwally had a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.17, more than twice New York's legal limit for driving.
During the closing arguments, jurors were shown body camera footage and listened to 911 calls that captured the chaotic aftermath of the crash.
Prosecutors argued the evidence supports their claim that alcohol impairment played a significant role in the collision.
The defense, however, maintains that the crash was not caused by intoxication. Schwally's attorney argued that his leg allegedly locked up while he was driving, causing him to lose control of the vehicle.
The defense also challenged the prosecution’s evidence regarding Schwally’s blood alcohol level.
Schwally's attorney says his client passed a field sobriety test administered by a highway officer at the scene and claimed that blood test evidence used by prosecutors was mishandled.
“My client consented to give blood and they didn’t want to test that blood because they had a highway officer indicating he wasn’t intoxicated,” defense attorney Christopher Cassar said. “Then they got the hospital blood, chain of custody with that and we believe someone tampered with it, probably police officers.”
Jurors were dismissed for the day following closing arguments and are expected to return Wednesday morning.
