QUEENS, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the indictment of Makeda McDonald, a 28-year-old from Philadelphia, on charges stemming from a high-speed crash on the Cross Island Parkway. The April 2022 incident resulted in the death of McDonald’s cousin and serious injuries to her aunt.
McDonald faces charges of criminally negligent homicide, reckless driving, exceeding the speed limit, and operating a vehicle at an unreasonable speed. The fatal crash, which occurred during a rainstorm, involved McDonald driving a 2017 Mercedes GLA 350 at speeds up to 123 mph in a 50 mph zone.
The vehicle struck a guardrail, became airborne, and collided with a light pole and road sign gantry before coming to rest on its roof.
Moesha McLaughlin, 24, of Rosedale, was pronounced dead following the crash.
Nyasha Turnbull, 32, also of Rosedale, sustained multiple injuries but survived. McDonald, who surrendered at the 105th Precinct, could face up to four years in prison if convicted. Justice Michael Hartofilis has scheduled her return to court for March 20.