Drunk driver sentenced in fatal Long Island crash that killed 2 teens
Drunk driver gets up to 25 years for LI crash
An emotional day in court as the families of 14-year-old tennis stars Drew Hassenbein and Ethan Falkowitz confronted the drunk driver who took their lives in a wrong-way crash on Long Island. Amandeep Singh, who was intoxicated and high on cocaine at the time of the crash, was sentenced to 8 1/3 to 25 years in prison. FOX 5's Jodi Goldberg has the story.
NEW YORK - Amandeep Singh has been sentenced to 8-1/3 to 25 years in prison for the deaths of 14-year-olds Drew Hassenbein and Ethan Falkowitz in a 2023 wrong-way crash on Long Island.
An emotional day in court
What we know:
In 2023, Drew Hassenbein and Ethan Falkowitz, both rising tennis stars, were killed in a crash caused by Singh, who was driving drunk and high on cocaine. The teens were heading home from a celebratory dinner after a tournament when Singh, who had a prior DWI arrest, slammed into their vehicle. He later told police he believed he was in New Jersey.
Families and loved ones packed three courtrooms for the sentencing, with emotional statements from parents and relatives.
Singh was sentenced to 8-1/3 to 25 years in prison. In court, he admitted his wrongdoing: "There’s no excuse for my behavior. I accept all of the blame."
His attorney, James Kousouros, said Singh’s statement was heartfelt and that he expressed deep sorrow.
Calls for stricter drunk driving laws
What's next:
The victims’ families vowed to turn their pain into purpose by advocating for tougher penalties against impaired drivers.
"We need legislation that ensures drivers who make these disastrous choices face consequences that truly reflect the devastation they caused," said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly.