QUEENS, NY — A Long Island man has been indicted for second-degree murder after allegedly ramming his BMW SUV into a motorcyclist during a fatal road rage incident that escalated from a minor collision on the Long Island Expressway, authorities said.
Jordan Rosen, 42, of Oceanside, was arraigned Thursday following a grand jury indictment related to the April 5 incident that killed 55-year-old William McField of Astoria. Rosen faces multiple charges, including two counts of murder in the second degree, criminal possession of a weapon, and reckless driving. He was remanded by Queens Supreme Court Justice Mary Bejarano and is due back in court April 28.
Key Points:
- Jordan Rosen indicted for second-degree murder in road rage death of William McField.
- The fatal incident began after a minor crash on the Long Island Expressway.
- Rosen’s SUV struck and ran over the motorcyclist, dragging and igniting the vehicle.
Deadly pursuit from LIE to Woodhaven Boulevard
According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, the incident unfolded around 9:21 a.m. on April 5 when Rosen and McField’s vehicles made contact on an LIE exit ramp. McField then ran a red light at Woodhaven Boulevard, and Rosen allegedly followed, also running the light in pursuit.
Rosen accelerated into a section of the road marked by zebra stripes and not designated for vehicle traffic, where McField had maneuvered. Prosecutors say Rosen struck the motorcycle from behind, causing the BMW to lift and run over the victim.
Rosen allegedly continued driving south, dragging the motorcycle, which burst into flames after Rosen collided with a second vehicle, a Mazda CX-5, and came to a stop against a lamp post.
Motorcyclist pronounced dead at scene
McField suffered fatal trauma and was declared dead at the scene. The BMW and motorcycle remained at the crash site, heavily damaged and scorched.
“This defendant plowed his BMW SUV into a motorcyclist shortly after the two had a minor collision on the Long Island Expressway,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “As a result of Jordan Rosen’s actions, the motorcycle burst into flames and the driver was killed.”
Charges carry life sentence possibility
In addition to the murder charges, Rosen faces counts of fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, reckless driving, and operating a vehicle with illegally tinted windows. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years to life in prison.
The investigation was led by members of the NYPD Highway District’s Collision Investigation Squad.