Manhasset man charged in fatal February crash

Amelia Camurati
Jonnathan Santos, left, 22, of Manhasset, and Areefeen Hirji, 21, of Muttontown have now both been convicted in relation to a 2017 car race and now await sentencing. (Photos courtesy Nassau County District Attorney)

Two Long Island men were arraigned Wednesday on charges related to a fatal February crash on the Long Island Expressway.

Jonnathan Santos, 20, of Manhasset, and Areefeen Hirji, 20, of Muttontown, were allegedly driving in and out of the eastbound lanes around other vehicles before colliding with each other at approximately 122 mph shortly before midnight on Feb. 24.

“These defendants used the LIE as their personal race track – and it tragically cost a young man his life,” Nassau County District Attorney Madeline Singas said. “This type of behavior on our roadways will not be tolerated – and my office is committed to prosecuting these cases to the fullest extent the law allows.”

A passenger in the backseat driver’s side of Santos’ vehicle, Giannfranco Peralta, 18, was ejected from the car and died at the scene. Two other passengers were treated for minor injuries.

Santos has been charged with second-degree vehicular manslaughter and driving while impaired, and bail has been set at $100,000 bond or $75,000 cash by Judge Francis Ricigliano of First District Court in Hempstead. If convicted, Santos could serve up to 15 years in prison.

Hirji, who allegedly fled the scene and later gave a false statement to police, is charged with second-degree vehicular manslaughter and leaving the scene of an incident without reporting. Ricigliano set his bail at $100,000 bond or $50,000 cash, and he could also serve up to 15 years if convicted.

Assistant District Attorneys Stephanie Dellinger and Katie Zizza of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau are prosecuting the case. Santos is represented by Vincent Bianco and Hirji is represented by Michael Soshnick. Both men are expected in court again on July 10.

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