An Oceanside man accused of driving drunk and high on cocaine and marijuana when he struck a 78-year-old woman in a crosswalk has been indicted on manslaughter and other charges in connection with her death, Nassau County prosecutors said.
Niall Duignan, 24, was arraigned Thursday, Sept. 3, before Judge Colin O’Donnell on charges including second-degree manslaughter, second-degree vehicular manslaughter and second-degree assault, according to Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly.
Duignan pleaded not guilty. Bail was set at $50,000 cash, $100,000 bond or $500,000 partially secured bond. He is due back in court Oct. 19 and faces up to five to 15 years in prison if convicted.
Prosecutors said Duignan was driving a 2004 Chevrolet Express van at about 4:40 p.m. on June 18 when he stopped at a red light at Weidner Avenue and Long Beach Road in Oceanside.
Patricia Pfaus, 78, was crossing Weidner Avenue in the crosswalk when Duignan allegedly made a right turn against the red light onto Long Beach Road and struck her.
Pfaus was taken to South Nassau Hospital with serious injuries, including facial fractures, broken ribs, a lacerated liver and a traumatic brain injury, prosecutors said.
She remained on a ventilator for nearly a month before she died July 17.
Blood drawn from Duignan approximately two and a half hours after the crash showed a blood alcohol content of .15%, nearly twice the legal limit, according to prosecutors. A toxicology report also showed cocaine and marijuana in his system.
“With no regard for anyone else, Niall Duignan consciously got behind the wheel while allegedly impaired by alcohol, cocaine, and marijuana,” Donnelly said.
Donnelly said Pfaus’ family spent nearly a month watching her fight for her life before her death.
“This tragedy was as preventable as it was criminal, and my office will seek justice for Patricia and her family as we prosecute this case,” she said.
Duignan was arrested by Nassau County police on the day of the crash.
In addition to the manslaughter and assault counts, Duignan was indicted on charges of driving while intoxicated, driving while ability impaired by drugs, driving while ability impaired by the combined influence of drugs or alcohol and drugs, and traffic violations.
The charges are accusations. Duignan is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
