Sentencing in Landmark Case Involving Teen Driver and ParentsSentencing in Landmark Case Involving Teen Driver and Parents The parents of a teenage driver charged with manslaughter in connection with a fatal crash in Queens last year were sentenced Monday. The case has drawn attention due to its focus on parental responsibility for underage drivers. Background of the Incident On May 17, 2023, a then-16-year-old boy was driving a BMW at 101 mph in a 30 mph zone when he lost control and crashed into a UPS truck. Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams, who was in the passenger seat, was thrown from the car and died at the scene. Parents’ Involvement Prosecutors allege that the boy’s parents, Sean Smith and Deo Ramnarine, allowed him to drive the BMW illegally. Smith, the boy’s father, bought the car for his son, despite his son not being legally permitted to drive it. Both parents were aware that their son was driving the car regularly, even to school. Charges and Sentencing Smith pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child and was sentenced to three years’ probation, a parenting course, and participation in a Victim Impact Panel Program. Ramnarine also pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child and disorderly conduct. If she completes a parenting course and the Victim Impact Panel Program, her endangering the welfare of a child charge will be withdrawn. Teen Driver’s Case The 17-year-old driver is facing numerous charges, including second-degree manslaughter and reckless driving. He faces up to 15 years in prison if convicted on the highest charge. Significance of the Case This case highlights the importance of parental responsibility in preventing underage driving. Prosecutors emphasize that parents can be held liable for tragedies that occur when they allow their children to drive illegally. Statement by the District Attorney Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated, “Parents who provide their children with vehicles and allow them to drive them illegally can be held liable in tragedies like this. We will continue to pursue justice for Fortune Williams and her grieving family.”
What to know
- The parents of a teenage driver charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of a 14-year-old who was in the car he was driving at more than 100 mph when it crashed in 2023 were sentenced Monday in connection with the landmark case, the local district attorney said.
- According to the prosecutor, the couple ensured that their son had access to the BMW when he was legally unable to drive the car.
- According to the investigation, on May 17, 2023, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the then-16-year-old boy was driving a red 2005 BMW 325i on North Conduit Avenue near 160th Street at 101 mph in a 30 mph zone. The teen, whose name is being withheld because of his age, lost control while changing lanes, struck a parked UPS truck, spun across the road and collided with a semi-truck.
Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was thrown from the front passenger seat into the back of the UPS truck during the initial impact. She suffered serious head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.
The parents of a teenage driver charged with manslaughter in connection with the death of a 14-year-old who was in the BMW he was driving when it crashed in Queens last year were sentenced Monday in connection with the landmark case, the local district attorney said.
Prosecutors say the BMW was a gift from the teenage driver’s father. Although he was allowed to drive with a junior driver’s license accompanied by an adult 21 or older, no adult of that age was in the car at the time of the crash on May 17, 2023.
Sean Smith, 40, and Deo Ramnarine, 43, have pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the case, Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced.
Smith, the teen’s father, was sentenced to three years’ probation and a 26-week parenting course after pleading guilty to endangering the welfare of a child. He must also participate in the Victim Impact Panel Program.
Meanwhile, Ramnarine, the teen’s mother, was ordered to complete a 26-week parenting course. She must also complete the Victim Impact Panel Program. If Ramnarine completes both, she will be allowed to withdraw her guilty plea to endangering the welfare of a child and the disorderly conduct charge, to which she also pleaded guilty, will be her only charge.
According to the prosecutor, the couple ensured that their son had access to the BMW when he was legally unable to drive the car.
The investigation revealed that on May 17, 2023, at approximately 6:30 p.m., the then 16-year-old boy was driving a red 2005 BMW 325i on North Conduit Avenue, near 160th Street, at 101 mph in a 30 mph zone.
The teen, whose name is being withheld due to his age, lost control of his vehicle while changing lanes, struck a parked UPS truck, spun across the road and collided with a semi-truck.
Fourteen-year-old Fortune Williams was thrown from the passenger seat to the back of the UPS truck in the initial impact. She suffered serious head injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. Meanwhile, a UPS worker who was getting into his truck was thrown to the ground when the BMW struck it. He was taken to a local hospital, where he was treated for a large hematoma on his leg, a laceration to his face, and a bruise on his chest.
The teenager driving was also taken to hospital with minor injuries, where he told police he was taking Williams to her grandmother’s house.
In addition, Smith explained to police at the hospital that although the BMW was registered in his name, he had bought it for his son.
The district attorney’s office, citing the investigation, also said witnesses saw the teen driving the car regularly and even a school principal told parents he was driving to school. The teen was also cited in 2022 for driving without a license and driving while using a portable electronic device.
The investigation found that three weeks after the fatal crash, Smith told the car’s insurance company that his son had ridden with him in the BMW twice and that the teenager was a good driver.
The now 17-year-old faces a host of charges: second-degree manslaughter; three counts of second-degree assault; third-degree assault; second-degree reckless endangerment; endangering the welfare of a child; reckless driving; driving at an excessive speed; unsafe lane changes on a roadway designated for traffic; making an unlawful turn; two counts of operating a motor vehicle with tinted windows; driving or operating a motor vehicle without a license; and operating a motor vehicle in violation of a restricted permit or license.
His case is still ongoing. The teen faces up to 15 years in prison if found guilty on the highest charge.
“The parents of a 16-year-old gave their son a BMW when he was not legally able to drive it anywhere in New York City. We allege that 14-year-old Fortune Williams is now dead because of that teen’s actions after she was thrown from the car as it crashed into a UPS truck at over 100 miles per hour,” Katz said. “With this conviction, we have shown that the blame for a fatal accident can extend beyond the driver. Parents who provide their children with vehicles and allow them to drive them illegally can be held liable in tragedies like this. We will continue to pursue justice for Fortune Williams and her grieving family.”
