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Jesus Bonilla, of Commack, pleaded guilty to manslaughter and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Thursday, Feb. 8, in the death of James Beck.
According to prosecutors, Bonilla was racing another car on Jericho Turnpike when he struck Beck in Huntington Station on the night of Nov. 19, 2022.
Moments before the crash, witnesses saw Bonilla speeding westbound on Jericho Turnpike in a Honda sedan while racing an SUV. Both vehicles were seen driving side by side, running red lights and crossing into oncoming traffic.
As they approached the intersection of Totten Avenue, Bonilla’s vehicle struck Beck as he crossed Jericho Turnpike. The 57-year-old Huntington Station resident was pronounced dead at the scene.
Investigators determined that Bonilla was driving nearly 80 miles per hour in a 40-mph zone at the time of the collision.
“James Beck’s death was completely avoidable and occurred because this defendant recklessly engaged in street racing with another driver,” said Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney.
“Suffolk County’s roadways are not racetracks. Anyone caught driving recklessly and jeopardizing the lives of other motorists or pedestrians will be held accountable.”
In court Thursday, Bonilla pleaded guilty to second-degree manslaughter, a felony, and reckless driving, a misdemeanor.
He faces up to six years in prison when he’s sentenced on Thursday, April 4.
The case against the alleged other driver, Jared Cooper, is still pending.
Beck leaves behind a wife and two teenage daughters, according to a GoFundMe campaign organized by Anne Seifried.
“His loss is immeasurable, a presence that cannot be replaced, but for those of us who must find a way, we will follow his resilience, his stubbornness to never give up no matter what,” she said.
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