New details in LI nail salon crash revealed; alleged drunk driver Steven Schwally indicted
LONG ISLAND - Steven Schwally, the alleged drunk driver charged in connection with the Long Island nail salon crash that killed four people, appeared in court on Thursday morning, where he was indicted on dozens of counts.
JUMP TO: NEW DETAILS l WHO IS STEVEN SCHWALLY l WHO WERE THE VICTIMS
Schwally, 64, was allegedly drunk back in June when police said he drove a Chevy Traverse into Hawaii Nail & Spa, located inside a strip mall on Grand Boulevard in Deer Park. At a Riverhead court appearance Thursday morning, Schwally was escorted in by wheelchair and indicted on 38 counts, including four counts of murder in the second degree.
Four people were killed, including a NYPD officer, and nine others were hospitalized. Witnesses described the crash as "a violent explosion" that sent "bodies everywhere."
New details from court appearance
According to prosecutors, it was around 11 a.m. when Schwally left the Commack Motor Inn, where he was staying, to purchase two bottles of Montebello Long Island Iced Tea at Stants Liquor store, which neighbors the nail salon.
Prosecutors say he’s a regular there, visiting almost every day – sometimes twice a day. About five hours later is when he’s accused of crashing into the salon.
"It’s about these victims, taking justice for those victims, but moreover, it's about raising awareness, raising awareness for what is happening on our roads. Not only in Suffolk County, but across our state and across our country," Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond Tierney said.
In Schwally's vehicle, police found an empty bottle of Montebello, as well as another empty bottle allegedly in his hotel room. His blood alcohol content was .17 – double the legal limit.
Police say after he crashed into the salon, Schwally said: "I haven’t broken any laws. I’m a marine."
His license is suspended, and he’s been held without bail.
Who is Steve Schwally?
According to prosecutors, Schwally told police he drank 18 beers the night before the crash and didn't stop drinking until about 4 a.m. He was partially conscious when first responders arrived on scene, police said.
Before the crash, police said Schwally was driving at high speed through the parking lot. He was treated at a hospital for non-life threatening injuries.
The Marine Corps veteran, who was living at a local motel at the time of the crash, was also arrested and charged with a DUI back in 2014. He pleaded guilty and was sentenced to three years probation. Schwally was unemployed.
Lawmakers demanded life in prison for Schwally, who was charged with driving while intoxicated and held on $2 million bond.
"Throw the book at the selfish bastard," New York State Sen. John Liu demanded. "With one action, he selfishly, criminally, and recklessly destroyed the lives of so many families, including one of New York's finest. Throw the book at this guy and put him away forever."
Who were the victims?
NYPD officer Emilia Rennhack, 30, Jiancai "Ken" Chen, 37, Yan "Jenny" Xu, 41, and Meizi Zhang, 50, were identified as the four people killed in the crash.
Jiancai "Ken" Chen, 37
The father and owner of the salon lived in Bayside, Queens. He leaves behind two young children – ages 10 and 5.
"We were such a happy family. Now it’s all crushed," his brother, Steven Chen, said through tears at a press conference.
Steven Chen cries while talking about his brother, Ken.
"I don't know which language to use to describe how I feel," Ken's sister Vicky added.
Doctors estimate the recovery of Chen's wife will take at least one to two years, according to a GoFundMe page created by his nephew.
"With the shop completely destroyed and their mother suffering from critical back and hip injuries, the family has lost their only source of income," his nephew, Vincent Zheng, wrote.
Emilia Rennhack, 34
NYPD officer and Deer Park resident Emilia Rennhack worked in the NYPD’s 102nd precinct in Queens and had served on the force since 2018, officials said.
Rennhack was recently married and was getting her nails done for another officer's wedding when she was killed, according to the New York Post.
Yan "Jenny" Xu, 41
Xu lived in Flushing, Queens, and worked as a nail technician at the salon.
According to a GoFundMe page, Xu leaves behind a 12-year-old son with poliomyelitis. She also supported her 70-year-old father, who cannot speak English.
"We cannot believed that we lost her forever," her sister Shihua Yang posted to the GoFundMe. "I was hang out with her last week, we talked a lot, and her dreams in the future, but that could not be come ture. Until now, I still think that is a dream. I also hope it was a dream."
Meizi Zhang, 50
Xhang also lived in Flushing, Queens, and also worked as a nail technician at the salon.
"Yan Xu and Meizi Zhang, also victims, were hard-working individuals full of dreams," Harriette Lo, who created a GoFundMe page on behalf of the Federation of Chinese American Associations posted.