NEW YORK, NY – A Queens man who struck and killed a woman crossing the street in Williamsburg last year has been indicted for manslaughter.
Daniel Buckley, 67, of Queens, was arraigned before Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Matthew Sciarrino on an indictment in which he is charged with second-degree manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, three counts of leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, second-degree reckless endangerment, reckless driving, two counts of failure to yield, improper driving on roadways laned for traffic, violating a pedestrian’s right of way in a crosswalk, and making an illegal left turn.
Police say Buckley was driving his 2005 GMC Envoy out of Brooklyn Navy Yard on November 28, 2022, about 5:45 p.m., while working on the television series “The Blacklist.” According to video surveillance obtained during the investigation, the defendant took the exit onto Kent Avenue, driving across the two-way street and into oncoming traffic. Leah Kohn, 59, was struck in the crosswalk by the defendant after he allegedly made an illegal turn onto Taylor Street in order to avoid colliding with two vehicles traveling on Kent Avenue.
He then fled the scene.
“Instead of stopping to call an ambulance or offer aid, this defendant heartlessly left the scene after he allegedly struck and fatally injured a beloved grandmother and cherished member of the community,” District Attorney Gonzalez said. “After a thorough investigation, we will now seek to hold the defendant accountable for his dangerous and criminal conduct. I am committed to keeping Brooklyn’s streets safe for all people.”
His victim was a beloved grandmother and member of Brooklyn’s vibrant Orthodox Jewish community. Charges say Mrs. Kohn had the right of way during the incident.