BUFFALO, N.Y. — A Lancaster man accused in a fatal crash that killed two teens has had the charges dismissed.
Ryan Stencel was charged with criminally negligent homicide after he allegedly lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a pole on Warner Road between Greenbriar Drive and Pheasant Run on March 2, 2022. Two passengers, 19-year-old Makenzie Mycek and 19-year-old Molly Kaminski, died at the scene.
On Thursday, a judge dismissed the charges against Stencel on a technicality. Prosecutors say they plan to appeal the decision.
Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael Keane issued a statement, saying he did not agree with the decision.
“I respectfully disagree with the decision by Acting Erie County Court Judge Carrie Phillips to grant the defense motion and dismiss the indictment against Ryan Stencel. I cannot comment further at this time as my office will be filing an appeal of the decision with the Fourth Judicial Department Appellate Division,” Keane said.
Family of the two young women were in court for Thursday's decision.
"There comes a point in time where you just you hope that someone takes responsibility for their actions. No one says he did it intentionally, but I think there's enough evidence out there that says that it drove recklessly and negligently. Hopefully we'll have a chance to prove that in court someday," said Mark Aquino, uncle of Makenzie Mycek.
Molly’s parents, Kris and Toni Kaminski, also issued a statement, saying they will continue to push for justice when it comes to their daughter.
“All the technicalities and lawyers in the world don’t change the fact that Ryan Stencel was responsible for the deaths of Molly and Makenzie and showed no concern for their lives as they burned to death in front of him. He was up on his feet and talking; he never once said their names, never mentioned he had passengers in the car at all.
"He knew then what he did and he knows now what he did. He needs to live with that shame regardless of today’s outcome, as do those who worked to help him avoid any kind of accountability.
"We appreciate the continued fight for justice for Molly and Kenzie from the Erie County D.A.’s office. Please honor Molly and Kenzie’s memories by stressing to young drivers to value the lives of their passengers and the importance of not driving recklessly.”
2 On Your Side's Claudine Ewing was in the courtroom and spoke to the families of the two young women killed in the accident. Tune in to Channel 2 at 4 p.m. on Most Buffalo for complete details.
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