Skip to Content
Streetsblog New York City home
Streetsblog New York City home
Log In
Charles Hynes

Unlicensed Hit-and-Run Killer Gets Six Months for Death of Brooklyn Child

An unlicensed driver who killed a 14-year-old child in Brooklyn will spend six months in jail and lose his license for a year.

Paul Griffin could be back on the road less than two years after he left 14-year-old Davonte Jeffers to die on a Brooklyn street. Photo: Daily News

Paul O. Griffin was driving a Ford work van on the evening of January 4, 2012, when he struck Davonte Jeffers on Flatlands Avenue. Griffin sped from the scene and refused a breath test when caught by police, according to the Daily News.

Jeffers was on an errand for his mother when he was hit, the News reported. He died at Kings County Hospital.

Police told the News that additional charges were pending, but Griffin was charged by Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes only with aggravated unlicensed operation of a vehicle and leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death, a class D felony. He was not charged with manslaughter or homicide for killing Davonte Jeffers.

Facing up to seven years in jail, on November 19 Griffin was sentenced to six months, with five years probation, and fined $2000, according to court records. His license was revoked for one year.

It is not known if or when Griffin was administered an alcohol test, but -- given prosecutors' unwillingness to charge sober motorists for taking a life -- often the difference between a manslaughter charge and a slap on the wrist, or no criminal charges at all, is state law that permits suspected drunk drivers to withhold crucial blood evidence.

This fatal crash occurred in the 63rd Precinct. To voice your concerns about neighborhood traffic safety directly to Captain John Rowell, the commanding officer, go to the next precinct community council meeting. The 63rd Precinct council meetings happen at 8 p.m. on the fourth Wednesday of the month at Kings Plaza Mall Community Room. Call 718-258-4444 for information.

The City Council district where Davonte Jeffers was killed is represented by Lew Fidler. To encourage Fidler to take action to improve street safety in his district and citywide, contact him at 212-788-7286 or LFidler@council.nyc.gov.

Stay in touch

Sign up for our free newsletter

More from Streetsblog New York City

Money for Something: Funding OK’d, But Details Missing For ‘Dept. Of Sustainable Delivery’

The mayor got the Council to sign off on $6.1 million for the long-awaited “Department of Sustainable Delivery." But what's it mean? No one is talking.

July 1, 2025

Incoming Albany Mayor Could Help Safe Streets Movement Statewide

The state capital is built for the car and that is how it is experienced by our lawmakers. But could that change under a new mayor? Here's hoping.

July 1, 2025

Tuesday’s Headlines: Another Child Sacrificed to the SUV Edition

Stop de kindermoord! An 8-year-old boy killed by an SUV driver is the latest victim of America's obsession with big cars. Plus other news.

July 1, 2025

DOT Testimony: Removing Bedford Ave. Bike Lane Will ‘Reduce Safety’

"Removing the protected bike lane won’t remove cyclists — it will only make the street less safe," the DOT said. "The city risks legal liability for knowingly reducing safety on a Vision Zero priority corridor."

June 30, 2025

Hochul Signs Speed Camera Reauthorization, Enforcement Continues Through 2030

Stating a clear fact that scores of state legislators reject, Hochul said, "Speed cameras save lives and keep New Yorkers safe."

June 30, 2025

Cyclists Tell Judge Carolyn Walker-Diallo: The Bedford Ave. Bike Lane is a Lifesaver

A judge will decide the fate of the Bedford Avenue bike lane on Tuesday. Streetsblog offers some user affidavits.

June 30, 2025
See all posts