East Massapequa crash suspect facing possible 4th homicide charge, DA's office says
Patrice Huntley, 60, Hannah Huntley, 13, and Jeremiah Huntley, 10, were killed in a crash in East Massapequa last Sunday. Credit: Tasheba Hamilton–Huntley
A Lindenhurst man faces a possible fourth homicide charge in connection with a fatal crash in East Massapequa that killed a Flushing man, his granddaughter and two of his young children, the Nassau district attorney’s office said Sunday.
The additional charge, against Michael Deangelo, 32, was expected following the news that the youngest victim, Chantel Solomon, 6, had been removed from life support early Saturday.
“This is one of the worst tragedies in recent memory on Long Island and we extend our condolences to the family of Chantel Solomon. We anticipate an additional homicide charge will be added in the grand jury,” district attorney spokesman Brendan Brosh wrote in an email.
Three family members died Aug. 6, the day of the crash: Patrice Huntley, 60, of Flushing, Chantel's grandfather, and his children, Jeremiah, 10, and Hannah, 13, of Uniondale. Two additional youths in Huntley's SUV during the crash remained hospitalized Sunday.
The family had been out to get ice cream and were stopped at a red light about 7:20 p.m. when Deangelo, driving a 2023 Hyundai Kona, rear-ended the family SUV, a 2014 Hyundai Santa Fe, police said.
Deangelo allegedly had cocaine and fentanyl in his system. His lawyer didn’t return a message seeking comment.
Deangelo was arrested Friday at a hospital where he was being treated for injuries sustained in the crash.
Chantel Solomon, 6, died early Saturday of injuries suffered in the crash. Credit: Huntley Family
The current charges include vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter, assault, drunken driving with drugs and reckless driving, according to Det. Capt. Stephen Fitzpatrick, the police supervisor overseeing the investigation.
In announcing those charges Friday, Fitzpatrick said Deangelo could face more if Chantel died.
Matthew Chayes, a Newsday reporter since 2007, covers New York City.
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Newsday Live Music Series: Long Island Idols Newsday Live presents a special evening of music and conversation with local singers who grabbed the national spotlight on shows like "The Voice," "America's Got Talent,""The X-Factor" and "American Idol." Newsday Senior Lifestyle Host Elisa DiStefano leads a discussion and audience Q&A as the singers discuss their TV experiences, careers and perform original songs.
