Angola Man Pleads Guilty to Manslaughter in Fatal Child Crash

Markus R. Genovese, 53, pleaded guilty to manslaughter after a crash killed a child. The incident occurred on June 8, 2024, when Genovese, under the influence and unlicensed, struck a vehicle. One child died, another was injured. He faces up to 15 years in prison, with sentencing on May 12. Authorities praised the investigation efforts.

An Angola man, Markus R. Genovese, aged 53, has pleaded guilty to multiple charges, including manslaughter, following a fatal accident that claimed the life of a child. The court proceedings took place before Erie County Court Judge James Bargnesi, where Genovese admitted to second-degree manslaughter and vehicular manslaughter, alongside a count of leaving the scene of an incident resulting in death. These are the highest sustainable charges he could face.

On June 8, 2024, around 8:10 p.m., Genovese was operating a pickup truck north on Lake Shore Road in Hamburg when he collided with another vehicle. He was driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and lacked a valid license. The crash occurred when he struck the rear of an SUV that was stopped to turn left onto Eckhardt Road.

Following the collision, Genovese abandoned his vehicle and fled the scene. He was subsequently located by law enforcement officers in nearby woods and was taken to Erie County Medical Center for treatment. The adult victim’s vehicle contained two child passengers; tragically, an 8-year-old boy seated on the driver’s side was fatally injured, while a 4-year-old boy seated on the passenger’s side suffered injuries but was later treated and released.

Genovese is set to face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison during his sentencing hearing on May 12 at 9:30 a.m. He is currently being held without bail. Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane praised the Town of Hamburg Police Department and its Accident Investigation Unit for their diligent work on this case, which was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorneys Christopher M. McCarthy and Natasha G. Greenan from the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.

In summary, Markus R. Genovese has pleaded guilty to serious charges resulting from a tragic accident that led to the death of a child. The court will impose a maximum sentence of 15 years, highlighting the severity of his offenses, particularly given his actions following the collision. The timely intervention of law enforcement and emergency services contributed to addressing the aftermath of the incident.

Original Source: www.observertoday.com