Melissa Koprowski, a 31-year-old resident of Yaphank, has been indicted on multiple charges following a fatal crash in November 2024. The incident occurred on Middle Country Road and resulted in the death of Esther Guy, 75, from Coram. The Suffolk County District Attorney's office announced the indictment.
District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney emphasized the seriousness of impaired driving, stating, "Driving while impaired is lethal activity and will be treated as such." He assured that his office would seek justice for Guy's family and continue to prosecute those who endanger road safety.
The investigation revealed that on November 22, 2024, at around 8:39 p.m., Koprowski was driving a Dodge Durango eastbound when she attempted an unauthorized left turn at Wading River Hollow Road. Her vehicle collided with a westbound Nissan Rogue carrying Esther Guy and her family. The collision forced the Nissan off the road into a wooded area.
Emergency responders transported all involved to Long Island Community Hospital. Esther Guy succumbed to her injuries shortly after arrival, while her two-year-old grandchild remained unharmed. Koprowski sustained non-life-threatening injuries and was arrested after officers observed signs of intoxication.
Koprowski faced arraignment on January 6, 2025, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz on several charges including manslaughter in the second degree and vehicular manslaughter in the second degree. Other charges included assault and various counts related to impaired driving.
Justice Horowitz set bail options for Koprowski at $200,000 cash or higher bond alternatives while suspending her driver's license during legal proceedings. She is scheduled to return to court on February 5, 2025, represented by attorney John Halverson.