A Nassau County grand jury indicted an accused drugged driver on new, upgraded charges after the suspect allegedly caused a crash that killed a man and woman in Lynbrook two months ago.
John Aniano pleaded not guilty Wednesday at Nassau County court to charges of vehicular homicide, reckless driving and reckless endangerment. The 25-year-old suspect was initially arrested on charges of manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter and driving while ability impaired. The suspect and both victims were all from Lynbrook.
Prosecutors said Aniano was speeding in his Mercedes Benz westbound on Sunrise Highway when he crashed into the back of a Toyota that was stopped at a red light, propelling the victim’s vehicle into the eastbound lanes, where it struck an eastbound Toyota at 8:13 p.m. Jan. 12.
The driver in the vehicle that Aniano allegedly hit, 42-year-old John Jones, was taken to South Nassau Communities Hospital where he died of his injuries. His passenger, Sharon Rene Long was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the other Toyota was treated at a local hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
Police have said that Aniano was found to be under the influence of drugs and two prescription bottles were found in his vehicle.
Judge Patricia Harrington continued the bail at $500,000 cash or $1,000,000 bond. If convicted, Aniano faces up to 25 years in prison. He is due back in court on March 27.
