Driver Was Allegedly Drunk and On Drugs, Killed Bicyclist
A Hicksville man pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide and other charges for striking and killing a bicyclist in Westbury in October 2024 while heavily intoxicated and impaired by cocaine.
On October 27, 2024, at approximately 3:40 a.m., Wilfredo Blanco Molina was driving a 2006 Chrysler Sebring eastbound on Old Country Road when he allegedly struck 69-year-old Robert McCarthy as he rode his bicycle near the intersection of State Street. McCarthy was thrown from his bicycle into a telephone pole and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Molina allegedly fled the scene and continued to drive eastbound on Old Country Road for approximately a quarter mile before his car came to rest because of a flat tire.
Officers approached the disabled vehicle to provide assistance, and observed the flat passenger side front tire, as well as significant damage to the passenger-side headlight and mirror and blood along the passenger-side fender.
Blanco Molina allegedly had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .22 approximately two hours after the crash and his blood showed evidence of cocaine use. He was also found to have cocaine in his pocket during his arrest.
The investigation determined that Blanco Molina had been drinking at a bar for several hours before the crash. He was arrested by members of the Nassau County Police Department on October 27, 2024.
Blanco Molina, 41, pleaded guilty on September 30, 2025, before Judge Meryl Berkowitz to charges of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (a Class B felony); Manslaughter in the Second Degree (a Class C felony); Assault in the Second Degree (a Class D felony); Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated and Driving While Ability Impaired by the Combined Influence of Drugs and Alcohol (both unclassified misdemeanors); and Leaving the Scene of an Incident Resulting in Death (a Class D felony).
He is expected to be sentenced to four to 12 years in prison when he is due back in court on December 4, 2025. The Nassau DA’s office recommended a sentence of 7 to 21 years in prison.
“Not only did this defendant show tremendous recklessness when he crashed into a helpless man riding his bicycle, but in the peak of cowardice, he fled the scene instead of stopping to try to help or call emergency services. Molina only cared about saving himself,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly. “He was dangerously intoxicated and under the influence of drugs when he tragically ended Robert McCarthy’s life. Nothing can undo his horrific choices and the tragedy he caused. My prosecutors will continue to pursue the strongest consequences against drivers who endanger innocent people with their careless choices.”