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Miguel Nolasco, 43, of Hicksville, was indicted for aggravated vehicular homicide and related charges in Nassau County Court on Tuesday, April 1, in the death of Jannai Allen.
The fiery wreck happened in Hicksville, near the intersection of Prospect Avenue and Cantiague Rock Road, at around 11:20 p.m. on Sept. 21, 2024.
Nolasco was intoxicated and speeding, going nearly 100 MPH in a 40 MPH zone, when his Honda slammed into Allen’s Subaru as he attempted to make a left turn, according to the Nassau County DA’s Office.
The impact caused Allen’s vehicle to catch fire, trapping him inside. The 30-year-old Westbury resident and father of ten was pronounced dead at the scene, as Daily Voice reported.
Following the impact, Nolasco’s vehicle rolled on its side and struck several trees before coming to a stop.
Jannai Allen with his children.
An investigation found that Nolasco had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .21 percent, nearly three times the legal limit, prosecutors said. He admitted to drinking a dozen beers before getting behind the wheel, according to investigators.
“The impact of the crash set Jannai’s car ablaze and horrifically trapped him inside,” said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly. “It’s time for drunk drivers to wake up and realize the devastation they are causing or end up serving years behind bars.”
In court Tuesday, Nolasco pleaded not guilty to eight criminal counts, including aggravated vehicular homicide, manslaughter, and aggravated driving while intoxicated. He was remanded to the Nassau County jail without bail. If convicted, he faces up to 25 years in prison.
Allen’s death leaves an irreparable hole in the lives of his ten children – seven step-children and three biological. The former Westbury High School varsity basketball player was remembered as a “remarkably humble man” by his sister-in-law, Kenia Espinal.
Jannai Allen with his family.
“Embodying the essence of dedication as a father. Alongside his partner, Johana Velasquez, he embraced the challenges and joys of raising ten children – from their eldest, who had just embarked on her college journey, to their youngest, just a year old,” Espinal told Daily Voice.
“Jannai poured his heart into nurturing this large, blended family, cherishing his highest title: ‘Dad.’
Allen’s daughter, Julissa St. Hilaire, remembered her dad as “the embodiment of kindness and patience,” in a statement to Daily Voice.
“Even with 10 kids – seven of whom weren’t his by blood – he wasn’t just a stepfather; he was a true DAD in every sense of the word,” she said. “He never missed a game, event, or dance recital. Whenever we needed him, he was there. Though he wasn’t perfect (because who is?), he was, without a doubt, an extraordinary father."
A GoFundMe campaign to assist Velasquez and her children with memorial and other expenses had raised over $18,000 as of Tuesday, April 1. Those who wish to donate can do so here.
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