Hynes Brings Manslaughter Charge for Williamsburg Pedestrian Death

A motorist who allegedly struck two pedestrians in a fatal 2012 hit-and-run crash in Williamsburg was charged with manslaughter by Brooklyn District Attorney Charles Hynes.

Raul De La Cruz and an unidentified woman were crossing Borinquen Place near Keap Street in Williamsburg at approximately 5 a.m. last November 15 when they were struck by the driver of a Chevrolet sedan, according to published reports. The victims were thrown into another lane of traffic and were hit by a second driver.

De La Cruz, a popular neighborhood figure and 35-year-old father of two young girls, died within minutes. The second victim was hospitalized with serious injuries.

The driver of the Chevrolet fled the scene. The heavily damaged car was found abandoned five blocks away. Police later arrested Adam Recio, then 27, who was charged with leaving the scene and driving without a license. The driver of the second vehicle was not charged.

A month after the crash, the list of charges against Recio included manslaughter, criminally negligent homicide, assault, two counts of reckless endangerment, three counts of leaving the scene, reckless driving, and driving without a license, according to online court records. His next scheduled court date is August 16.

Manslaughter is a Class C felony, with possible sentences ranging from probation to 15 years in prison. It is relatively rare for city district attorneys to prosecute a sober motorist — even one accused of leaving the scene — for manslaughter for the death of a pedestrian or cyclist, but it’s not unheard of. Recio is accused of leaving two people to die in the street. The Daily News reported that, according to police, he had prior arrests for other alleged criminal offenses.

Last August, Hynes charged Javier Hernandez with manslaughter, leaving the scene, reckless driving, and speeding for the death of pedestrian Alberto Serrano.

We are following this case and will post updates as it develops.