A Queens man was arraigned on murder as well as other charges for the alleged assault of another man.
Patrick Destine, 26, is alleged to have killed David McKenzie, 54, by kicking and stomping his head after the two were involved in an automobile accident.
On April 15, 2023, at approximately 11:02 p.m., Destine collided his 2004 Infiniti with McKenzie’s 2003 Honda in Baldwin. Destine was driving with two other passengers, one of them being co-defendant Aisha Pitt. After the crash, Destine followed McKenzie on foot away from the crash and proceeded to kick and stomp on his head multiple times, while also taking his credit card and driver’s license.
Officers arrived on the scene shortly after to find Destine and Pitt walking away from the crash site and McKenzie on the ground bleeding from his head. He was taken to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital before being pronounced dead on April 6 at approximately 12:06 a.m.
Destine was arraigned before Judge Howard Struim on June 7 on multiple charges, including second-degree murder, fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, and two counts of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. Pitt was charged with fourth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, fifth-degree criminal possession of stolen property, second-degree obstructing governmental administration, resisting arrest and disorderly conduct. She was also charged with another count of second-degree assault on April 17. She is due to appear back in court on June 28.
“After a late-night collision in Baldwin, an intoxicated Patrick Destine allegedly followed the victim, David McKenzie, and repeatedly kicked and stomped on his head and left him to die just steps away from his home,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly. “When the defendant was taken into custody, he also had McKenzie’s credit card and identification. David McKenzie was a father and grandfather, and our thoughts remain with his family as they grieve his loss.”