QUEENS, N.Y. — A Bronx woman who was racing at 123 miles per hour on the Whitestone Expressway before crashing into an Uber and killing a passenger has pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced Thursday. Melissa Rodriguez-Lopez, 29, of Kossuth Avenue, also admitted to fleeing the scene of the crash and falsely reporting her vehicle stolen in an attempt to avoid responsibility for the May 2023 incident.
Rodriguez-Lopez’s reckless actions claimed the life of 62-year-old Steven Spaulding of Brooklyn, who was a passenger in the Uber, and caused significant injuries to the driver. Supreme Court Justice Michael Aloise has indicated that she will face an 18-year prison sentence when she is formally sentenced on January 28.
“This defendant was driving at speeds of 123 miles per hour while racing, when she plowed her Lexus into the rear of an Uber and killed the passenger,” said District Attorney Katz. “After causing a fatal collision, Melissa Rodriguez-Lopez then walked into a New York City Police Department precinct and claimed that her vehicle was stolen. Sadly, the family of Steven Spaulding will have to live with the consequences of this defendant’s actions for the rest of their lives. We hope that this plea helps Mr. Spaulding’s family and friends as they continue to mourn his loss.”
High-speed crash and fatal consequences
According to the charges, the fatal collision occurred on May 27, 2023, at approximately 3 a.m. Rodriguez-Lopez was driving a black 2015 Lexus RC350 with personalized license plates northbound on the Whitestone Expressway, near the Whitestone Bridge and Cross Island Parkway. She was racing with other vehicles at an estimated speed of 123 mph, with a passenger in her car.
As she raced at high speeds, Rodriguez-Lopez’s Lexus slammed into the rear of a Toyota Corolla being used as an Uber. The impact caused catastrophic damage to both vehicles and led to the deployment of the airbags in her car.
Steven Spaulding, the Uber passenger, sustained severe spinal injuries and suffered a fatal stroke as a result of the crash. The Uber driver also sustained serious injuries, including damage to his neck and body.
Flight from the scene and false report
After the collision, Rodriguez-Lopez and her passenger exited her vehicle and left the scene in another racer’s car without identifying herself to the Toyota driver or notifying law enforcement.
Later that morning, Rodriguez-Lopez walked into the NYPD’s 52nd Precinct in the Bronx and falsely reported her Lexus as stolen. Surveillance footage revealed that she had visible arm injuries consistent with airbag deployment, contradicting her claim that she was not present during the incident. Rodriguez-Lopez told police she had been with a friend the entire day.
Legal proceedings and sentencing
Rodriguez-Lopez pleaded guilty to manslaughter in the first degree and assault in the first degree, satisfying the charges in the indictment. Justice Aloise is expected to impose an 18-year prison sentence later this month.
The case highlights the dangers of reckless driving and drag racing, which often lead to fatal consequences for innocent victims. Spaulding’s family continues to grieve the loss of their loved one as the court prepares to close this chapter with Rodriguez-Lopez’s sentencing.
Rodriguez-Lopez will soon face the consequences of her decisions, which left a lasting impact on the lives of others.