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Murder

Drunken Driving Trial Begins on Long Island

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The trial of Martin Heidgen, a 25-year-old Valley Stream man accused of driving the wrong way on the Meadowbrook Parkway while intoxicated, began on Long Island, with prosecutors seeking a second-degree murder conviction. Heidgen's alleged actions resulted in the deaths of Stanley Rabi-nowitz and 7-year-old Katie Flynn. The prosecution argues that Heidgen's reckless behavior demonstrates a depraved indifference to human life. His defense team, led by Stephen LaMagna, denies the charges, suggesting that not all deaths in alcohol-related accidents are murder. The trial is expected to last five weeks, with 12 jurors and six alternate jurors selected to hear the case.

Key Takeaways:

  • The trial of Martin Heidgen began on Long Island, with prosecutors seeking a second-degree murder conviction.
  • Heidgen allegedly drove the wrong way on the Meadowbrook Parkway while intoxicated, resulting in the deaths of Stanley Rabi-nowitz and 7-year-old Katie Flynn.
  • The prosecution argues that Heidgen's reckless behavior demonstrates a depraved indifference to human life.
  • Defense attorney Stephen LaMagna denies the charges, suggesting that not all deaths in alcohol-related accidents are murder.
  • Heidgen's pickup truck slammed into a limousine, causing the fatal accident.
  • District Attorney Kathleen Rice has been accused of charging Heidgen with murder to fulfill a campaign promise to be tough on drunken drivers.
  • Nine men and three women were selected as jurors, along with six alternate jurors.
  • The trial is expected to last five weeks, with Acting State Supreme Court Justice Alan Honorof presiding.

Statistics:

  • 12 jurors and 6 alternate jurors were selected to hear the case.
  • The trial is expected to last 5 weeks.
  • 2 people were killed in the alleged drunk driving accident: Stanley Rabi-nowitz and 7-year-old Katie Flynn.
  • 25-year-old Martin Heidgen faces a second-degree murder charge.

Sources:

  • Newsday, Melville, N.Y.
  • McClatchy-Tribune Business News
  • The Permissions Group Inc.

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