Trial begins for driver accused in deadly crash that killed 21-year-old mother
Prosecutors say Kashawn Croswell was driving a Mercedes-Benz that slammed into a white Honda at Court Street and Atlantic Avenue in August 2023.
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The trial for the Brooklyn man accused of causing a violent crash that killed 21-year-old Shanti Joyner started in Brooklyn Supreme Court.
Prosecutors say Kashawn Croswell was driving a Mercedes-Benz that slammed into a white Honda at Court Street and Atlantic Avenue in August 2023.
“My daughter died in that car and left a 1-year-old behind. So I feel like justice needs to be served,” Shanti Joyner’s mother, Jeanette Joyner, said outside of court.
Croswell is charged with manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide and leaving the scene without calling 911.
Prosecutors argue Croswell left the crash scene with his injured girlfriend, and was later found by police on Pacific Street, around the corner from the intersection.
Jurors were shown body camera video of officers questioning Croswell as EMTs treated his girlfriend on the sidewalk. In the footage, Croswell appears distraught and repeatedly asks if she is okay, but refuses to explain what happened.
As the video played in court, Croswell appeared visibly emotional, covering his mouth and crying.
Joyner said watching the footage was painful.
“You had a phone, and didn’t call 911,” she said.
Defense attorney John Leo Russo described the crash as a tragic accident but says his client did not commit a crime.
“I don't think there's any evidence that my client left the scene,” Russo said. “In fact, he stayed at the scene trying to get help for his girlfriend, who was injured. ”
Russo did acknowledge Croswell bears some responsibility.
“But I think that my client is probably guilty of going through a red light,” he said. “Probably guilty of reckless driving.”
Despite the pain, Joyner said she hopes the trial and verdict will bring her family some closure.
“It sucks but still justice will prevail because God is good,” she said.
The trial continues in Downtown Brooklyn.
