You are reading

Drunk Driver Who Killed Pedestrian in Woodside Crosswalk Pleads Guilty to Aggravated Vehicular Manslaughter

Broadway and 60th Street, where Jorge Samaniego killed Alberto Zamacona while driving drunk (Google Maps)

Aug. 18, 2021 By Christian Murray

A hit-and-run driver who fatally struck a pedestrian in Woodside while driving drunk pleaded guilty Tuesday to aggravated vehicular homicide, according to the Queens District Attorney’s office.

Jorge Samaniego, 51, of Maspeth, struck a pedestrian in the crosswalk at Broadway and 60th Street at around 8 p.m. on Dec. 11, 2019, after fleeing a collision at Broadway and 55th Street moments earlier.

“Mr. Samaniego made the selfish decision to get behind the wheel of a car while drunk,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. “His actions led to multiple collisions and the death of a man who had simply been taking a walk in the neighborhood. No one has the right to be this reckless.”

Samaniego killed Woodside resident Alberto Zamacona, 47, in the crosswalk during a series of crashes. He is expected to be sentenced to a term of 5 to 15 years in prison when he returns to court on Oct. 4, according to the Queens DA.

Samaniego initially had a collision at Broadway and 55th Street. While fleeing that incident, he hit Zamacona when he blew through a red light at Broadway and 60th Street.

Zamacona, according to police at the time, was crossing with the pedestrian signal when he was hit. He mounted the hood of the car before falling to the pavement. EMS rushed him to NYC Health and Hospitals/Elmhurst, where he died two days later

Samaniego continued eastbound on Broadway. He crossed into the lanes in the opposite direction, ran another red light at 61st Street and struck a 2013 Toyota Prius, which was stopped at the light.

The Prius was pushed backwards into a 2015 Toyota Sienna which in turn struck a 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee, police said.

The drivers of the Toyota Prius and the Toyota Sienna were taken to NYC Health and Hospitals/Elmhurst in stable condition, where they were treated and released.

When police responded to the scene, they found Samaniego with bloodshot eyes, slurred speech and smelling of alcohol. He was taken to a nearby precinct where a test showed he had a blood alcohol level of .187, above the legal limit of .08.

email the author: [email protected]
No comments yet

Leave a Comment
Reply to this Comment

All comments are subject to moderation before being posted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Recent News

Eastern Queens Greenway project connecting local parks gets $6 million in City Council funding

The Eastern Queens Greenway plan is a step closer to fruition after Council Member Sandra Ung joined Speaker Adrienne Adams in Kissena Park on Oct. 2, where they announced $6 million in funding to complete two sections of the greenway that will create a seamless connection between Flushing Meadows Corona Park and Alley Pond Park.

“We are fortunate in Eastern Queens to have a number of amazing parks, but in many places they are physically close but disconnected from one another,” Ung said. “This funding will create new connections and improve existing ones to create a continuous and safe path from Flushing Meadows to Alley Pond and beyond. These projects will increase access points to our open spaces, which in turn will make them safer for seniors, families, and those with mobility impairments.”