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PRESS RELEASE
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After a comprehensive investigation into this collision, it was determined that Ms. Gonzalez was not the driver of the vehicle during this crash. The driver of the vehicle has now been identified as Jhonny Chavarria, age 20, of Bay Shore, NY. Mr. Chavarria suffering only minor injuries as a result of the crash, fled the area, leaving his passenger and friend, Ms. Gonzalez dead at the scene.
Through the investigative efforts of the State Police Bureau of Criminal Investigation, Forensic Identification Unit and Collision Reconstruction Unit, Mr. Chavarria was arrested today and will now have to answer for his actions. Mr. Chavarria was charged with Manslaughter 2nd (C-Felony), Vehicular Manslaughter 2nd (D-Felony), Leaving the Scene of a Motor Vehicle Accident Involving a Fatality (D-Felony), Reckless Endangerment 2nd (A-Misd.), Reckless Driving and DWI (both unclassified Misd.).
Mr. Chavarria was arraigned this morning at Suffolk County First District Court and was remanded to Suffolk County Jail in lieu of $500K cash bail or 1 million dollars bond.
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On Sunday, September 18, 2022, a little before 4:30 am, the State Police responded to a call for a crash on the Southern State Parkway eastbound in the area of exit 40 in the town of Islip, Suffolk County.
Jessica Gonzalez, 19 years-old of Commack, NY, was driving a 2022 Hyundai Santa Fe eastbound on the Southern State Parkway, in the right lane, when her vehicle crossed the lanes of traffic and struck the center median guiderail. Gonzalez vehicle then struck the overpass, she was ejected from the vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Gonzalez was the sole occupant in this one vehicle crash.
This collision is under investigation and the State Police is asking for witnesses or anyone with any information to call (631) 756-3300.