October 31, 2006

Jury Convicts Uniondale Man of Manslaughter

DeJean faces up to 15 years for 2005 “road rage” killing

MINEOLA, NY - A Nassau County jury has found Patrick DeJean, 42, of Uniondale, guilty of Manslaughter in the Second Degree in connection with the death of Igor Kruk, 24, also of Uniondale, in September of last year. The trial was in front of the Honorable Meryl Berkowitz in Nassau County Court. The jury deliberated for a little more than a day before reaching their unanimous decision. They found the defendant not guilty of Murder in the First Degree and Manslaughter in the First Degree.

On September 24, 2005, at approximately 4:30 P.M., the victim, a friend and the defendant became involved in a ‘road rage’ incident on the streets of Uniondale. The defendant, traveling northbound on Marvin Avenue at more than 55 m.p.h, intentionally struck the rear of the victim’s motorcycle and pushed it more than 150 feet before colliding with a parked vehicle and killing the victim instantly. Mr. DeJean exited his vehicle, a 1989 Honda Accord, and left the scene. The victim’s motorcycle, a 2004 Yamaha, was immediately engulfed in flames. Upon returning to the scene, Mr. DeJean was placed under arrest and charged with the murder of Igor Kruk.

Mr. DeJean faces a maximum of 15 years in prison at his December 15 sentencing. He is being represented by Joe Lopiccolo, Esq., of Garden City. Assistant District Attorney Ken St. Bernard, from the District Attorney’s Major Offense Bureau, is handling the case for the prosecution.