QUEENS, NY — Jessica Beauvais was convicted today for the death of NYPD Detective Anastasios Tsakos, who was killed in 2021 when Beauvais drove drunk and crashed into him on the Long Island Expressway.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated that Beauvais, 34, had a suspended license, a blood alcohol level nearly twice the legal limit, and had consumed marijuana. “Her reckless decision led to a senseless tragedy that left Detective Tsakos’ widow to raise their two young children without their father,” said Katz.
Beauvais, a resident of Myrtle Avenue in Hempstead, was convicted by a jury on charges including aggravated manslaughter in the second degree, vehicular manslaughter in the second degree, and leaving the scene of an incident without reporting. Queens Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloise set the sentencing date for December 14. Beauvais could face up to 27 years in prison.
The incident occurred on April 27, 2021. Detective Tsakos was responding to a fatal car crash on the Long Island Expressway. At approximately 1:45 a.m., Tsakos and his partner established a roadblock to divert traffic. At 1:57 a.m., Beauvais sped through the roadblock in a 2013 Volkswagen Passat, hitting Tsakos and causing catastrophic injuries. Tsakos was later pronounced dead at a nearby hospital.
Police pursued Beauvais for about three miles before apprehending her. She was arrested with bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and a strong smell of alcohol. Two hours post-incident, a blood test revealed a blood alcohol content of .15, exceeding the legal limit of .08. Beauvais also admitted to smoking marijuana and drinking wine earlier in the day.
Beauvais’ license had been suspended at the time of the incident.
The conviction brings a measure of closure to the family of Detective Tsakos, though District Attorney Katz emphasized that the loss is irreplaceable.