A Queens man has been sentenced to 18 years to life in prison for the murder of another driver during a crash in Baldwin last year.
On April 15, 2023, at approximately 11:02 p.m., Patrick Destine was driving a 2004 Infiniti and carrying two passengers, including co-defendant Aisha Pitt, when he collided with a 2003 Honda driven by 54-year-old David McKenzie near Shuman Place and Forest Avenue. McKenzie walked away from the crash and Destine followed him. Destine then kicked and stomped on McKenzie’s head repeatedly. After the beating, McKenzie’s credit card and driver’s license were also taken.
When police arrived on scene, they found McKenzie on the ground bleeding from the head. He was taken to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital, where he was pronounced dead at approximately 12:06 a.m. on April 16, 2023.
Destine and Pitt were seen walking away from the scene of the crash when police arrived. Both defendants were placed into custody by members of the Nassau County Police Department and transported to Nassau University Medical Center.
Pitt, 20, of Elmont, pleaded guilty on June 28, 2023, to fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property (a Class E felony) and was sentenced to six months in jail in August 2023. Destine, 28, pleaded guilty on May 7, 2024, before Judge Howard Sturim to second-degree murder (a Class A-I felony); fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property(a Class E felony); and two counts of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol (an unclassified misdemeanor).
“Patrick Destine brutally kicked and stomped on David McKenzie’s head following a late-night collision between their vehicles in Baldwin,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly. “This alcohol-fueled rampage cost David his life and ultimately condemned the defendant to a future behind bars. Today, Destine is held accountable for his gratuitous and senseless violence that night. Our thoughts remain with David’s many family members and friends who continue to mourn.”