Rockland County District Attorney Announces Arraignment of Axel I. Lopez-Santiago on Indictment charging Aggravated Vehicular Homicide in the death of 4-year-old girl

District Attorney Tom Walsh announces that  Axel I. Lopez-Santiago, age 41, of Spring Valley, New York was arraigned on an indictment today before the Honorable Kevin Russo charging him with three counts of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, one count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree, two counts of Assault in the Second Degree, one count of Driving While Intoxicated as a Felony, and one count of reckless driving. The defendant was remanded to the Rockland County Jail without bail pending the next court date on this matter scheduled for July 9, 2025, at 9:30 am.

On June 14, 2025, the defendant is accused of driving his motor vehicle recklessly and at a high rate of speed as he travelled east on Old Nyack Turnpike, in Spring Valley. Defendant’s vehicle then suddenly veered across the double yellow line and into the opposite lane of travel continuing off the road and onto the pedestrian sidewalk as he approached the entrance to Kennedy Park.  In this area, the vehicle then struck at least four individuals before crashing into a tree. Upon arrival of law enforcement, the defendant was observed behind the wheel of the vehicle and the sole occupant of the car. 

All the victims were taken to local hospitals.  One victim, a 4-year-old female died from her injuries. Two of the other victims, a 31-year-old male and a five-year-old male, sustained serious physical injuries. The investigation revealed that the defendant was intoxicated from his consumption of alcoholic beverages at the time of the fatal collision.

The investigation was conducted by the Spring Valley Police Department, with the assistance of officers from Ramapo Police Department and the Rockland County Sheriff’s Office.

The case is being prosecuted by Supervising Assistant District Attorney Sharleen Bailon and Executive Assistant District Attorney Michael Dugandzic of the Vehicular Crimes Unit.

**It should be noted that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and that a defendant should be presumed innocent until proven guilty. **