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Drunk Driver Admits Causing Deadly 7-Car Crash In Riverhead That Injured Several Others

A Riverhead man formally confessed to causing a drunken, seven-car pileup that killed his passenger and seriously injured several others.

Drunk driving.

Drunk driving.

 Photo Credit: Canva/Ohoho
Michael Mashburn
@mistermashburn Email me Read More Stories

Cristian Mendoza-Baquiax, 37, pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide and related charges in Suffolk County Court on Tuesday, March 11.

Mendoza-Baquiax admitted that he was driving drunk on County Road 105 in Riverhead on the evening of Aug. 7, 2024, when he sped around another car, swerved into oncoming traffic, and crashed into several vehicles.

His passenger, 33-year-old Nelson Reyes-Muxin, was killed in the collision. Another passenger in his vehicle suffered multiple fractures and a dislocated shoulder, while the driver of another car had two broken legs and a dislocated ankle and had to be airlifted to Stony Brook University Hospital.

Two other victims were hospitalized with injuries, officials said.

When police arrived at the scene, Mendoza-Baquiax exhibited clear signs of intoxication and admitted to drinking six beers before getting behind the wheel, prosecutors said.

A blood test revealed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) .21%—more than twice the legal limit. A separate sample taken earlier at the hospital showed his BAC was .25%, more than three times the legal limit of .08% in New York State.

In court Tuesday, Mendoza-Baquiax pleaded guilty to the following charges:

  • Three counts of aggravated vehicular homicide (felonies)
  • One count of manslaughter in the second degree (felony)
  • Two counts of assault in the second degree (felonies)
  • One count of aggravated driving while intoxicated (felony)
  • Two counts of assault in the third degree (misdemeanors)

He is set to be sentenced on Tuesday, April 15, and is expected to receive five to 15 years in prison.

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney condemned Mendoza-Baquiax’s reckless decision to drive drunk, saying it led to tragedy that could have been avoided.

“This defendant’s fateful decision to drive while under the influence of alcohol caused the tragic death of Nelson Reyes-Muxin and severe injuries to several other individuals,” Tierney said. “This conviction is a reminder to all that drunk driving kills.”

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