WARSAW, N.Y. — A Lackawanna man involved in a fatal crash that killed three people has pleaded guilty.
Richard Sawicki pled guilty to aggravated vehicular manslaughter and four counts of assault.
The accident happened May 26, 2019 on Mason Road and Route 20 in the Wyoming County town of Varysburg.
Investigators say Sawicki left a home on Maxon Road and was speeding when he drove through a stop sign and collided with a minivan that was traveling west on Route 20A. Nine people were in the minivan at the time of the accident.
Three people in the minivan died: Ondina Castro De La Cruz, 47, Mayelin Brito-Castro, 26 and Kiara Hernandez, 4.
Four other people in the vehicle were seriously injured. Two others suffered minor injuries.
According to the district attorney's office, Sawicki had been drinking most of the night prior to the crash.
“I want to thank the numerous volunteer first responders who endured this crime scene and for their endless work answering the calls each and every time as well as the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Office for their outstanding investigation into this matter. I would also like to thank the New York State Police and the New York State Park Police for their assistance in this investigation. What must be remembered is that an entire family has been devastated by an event that is completely preventable. This case is a message to every person, young or old, that if you drive drunk or drugged this can and will happen to you and not only will you have to live with it the rest of your life you will also lose your freedom for a significant period of time,” said District Attorney Donald O’Geen.
Sentencing is scheduled for February 6, 2020 at 9:30 a.m.
