Seven Cars Involved in Collision
By Lindsay Press
A Riverhead man could face five to 15 years in jail after being convicted for a fatal DWI crash that involved seven vehicles.
On August 7 at about 6:15 p.m., Cristian Mendoza-Baquiax was driving a white 2010 Acura MDX heading north on County Road 105 in Riverhead at a high speed. He then drove into the opposite lane, where he hit several vehicles. A total of seven cars were involved in the collision.
The passenger in Mendoza-Baquiax’s car, Nelson Reyes-Muxin, 33, of Riverhead, died as a result of the injuries he sustained. Another passenger in Mendoza-Baquiax’s car sustained numerous fractures to his arm as well as a dislocated shoulder; he was treated at Peconic Bay Medical Center.
The driver of a different vehicle involved in the crash sustained two fractured legs, a dislocated ankle, and was airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital for medical treatment. Additionally, two other individuals were brought to local hospitals for injuries they sustained in the crash.
Mendoza-Baquiax showed signs of intoxication and said that he had six beers. He was then placed under arrest and agreed to a blood draw upon request by police officers. Toxicology testing of his blood showed a blood alcohol concentration of 0.21%. He was brought to Stony Brook University Hospital for treatment for injuries he sustained from the collision.
A sample of his blood was taken by hospital staff upon admission and later seized pursuant to a search warrant. Follow-up toxicology testing of that sample, taken before the sample performed by the police, showed that he had a 0.25% blood alcohol content.
On March 11, Mendoza-Baquiax, 37, pleaded guilty before Acting Supreme Court Justice Steven A. Pilewski to the following charges:
- three counts of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, Class B felonies
- one count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a Class C felony
- two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, Class D felonies
- one count of Aggravated Driving While Intoxicated, a Class E felony
- two counts of Assault in the Third Degree, Class A misdemeanors
Mendoza-Baquiax is scheduled back in court on April 15, where he is expected to be sentenced to 5 to 15 years in jail.
“This defendant’s fateful decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol caused the tragic death of Nelson Reyes-Muxin and severe injuries to several other individuals,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney. “This conviction is a reminder to all that drunk driving kills.”