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RIVERHEAD MAN SENTENCED TO 5 TO 15 YEARS IN PRISON FOR DRUNK DRIVING THAT LED TO SEVEN CAR PILE UP CRASH THAT KILLED HIS PASSENGER AND INJURED SEVERAL OTHERS
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Cristian Mendoza-Baquiax, a 37-year-old from Riverhead, has been sentenced to 5 to 15 years in prison for drunk driving, resulting in a seven-car crash that killed his passenger, 33-year-old Nelson Reyes-Muxin, and injured several others. Mendoza-Baquiax pleaded guilty in March to multiple charges, including three counts of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide.
On August 7, 2024, while driving with a blood alcohol concentration of .25%, Mendoza-Baquiax caused the accident by speeding into oncoming traffic. His intoxication was evident, and he admitted to drinking six beers prior to the incident. Besides the fatality, another passenger in his vehicle suffered serious injuries, and the driver of another vehicle sustained multiple fractures and required airlifting for medical treatment.
Mendoza-Baquiax’s case was handled by the Suffolk County District Attorney's office, and he was represented by the Legal Aid Society. The prosecution emphasized the serious consequences of his reckless actions, underscoring that driving under the influence endangers everyone on the road.
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