COPS: HORROR MOMENT DRUNK-DRIVER SMASHES INTO NAIL SALON KILLING 4
1Digest
This podcast episode delves into the tragic incident where a drunk driver, Stephen Schwalley, crashed his SUV into a nail salon on Long Island, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to nine others. The episode begins by showcasing the shocking video footage of Schwalley buying liquor before driving his SUV at a high speed, ultimately crashing into the nail salon. Experts analyze the video footage and discuss the driver's actions, including his steering and lack of braking, debating whether his actions constitute second-degree murder due to his intentional driving behavior. The episode then explores the impact of the crash, describing the severe injuries sustained by the victims, including fractured bones, organ damage, and even decapitation. The emotional impact on the victims' families is also highlighted, with the brother of one of the victims expressing his grief and anger. The episode concludes by discussing the driver's blood alcohol content, which was more than double the legal limit, and the need for stricter measures to prevent drunk driving. Erica Lynn, a victim of drunk driving, shares her message of hope and the importance of preventing drunk driving, highlighting the HALT Act, a new technology that aims to prevent drunk driving by stopping vehicles if impairment is detected.
Outlines
The Devastating Crash at Hawaii Nail and Spa
A drunk driver, Stephen Schwalley, crashed his SUV into a nail salon on Long Island, killing four people and injuring nine others. The incident was caught on video, showing Schwalley buying liquor before getting behind the wheel.
Shocking Video Footage of the Fatal Crash
The video footage shows Schwalley visibly disheveled, buying liquor before driving his SUV at a high speed, ultimately crashing into the nail salon. The impact killed four people, including an off-duty NYPD officer.
Analyzing the Crash and the Driver's Actions
Experts analyze the video footage and discuss the driver's actions, including his steering and lack of braking. They debate whether the driver's actions constitute second-degree murder due to his intentional driving behavior.
The Impact of the Crash and the Victims
The crash resulted in four deaths and nine injuries. The victims included the salon owner, an off-duty police officer, and other employees. The impact was described as a violent explosion, with bodies flying through the air.
The Aftermath and the Legal Consequences
A medical examiner describes the severe injuries sustained by the victims, including fractured bones, organ damage, and even decapitation. The high speed of the crash caused significant trauma to the bodies. The families of the victims are devastated by the loss of their loved ones. The driver, Stephen Schwalley, faces charges of second-degree murder, vehicular homicide, and assault.
Keywords
Stephen Schwalley
The driver of the SUV that crashed into the nail salon, killing four people. He was charged with second-degree murder and other offenses.
Hawaii Nail and Spa
The nail salon on Long Island that was struck by the SUV, resulting in the deaths of four people and injuries to nine others.
Long Island Iced Tea
A high-alcohol content cocktail made with vodka, tequila, gin, rum, triple sec, and lemon juice. The driver, Stephen Schwalley, consumed two pints of Long Island Iced Tea before the crash.
Vehicular Homicide
A crime that occurs when a person is killed as a result of a motor vehicle accident. It is often charged when the driver is intoxicated or reckless.
Second-Degree Murder
A charge that can be brought against a driver who intentionally causes the death of another person while driving recklessly or under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
HALT Act
A new law that requires passive technology to be installed in vehicles to detect impairment and stop the vehicle if necessary. The HALT Act aims to prevent drunk driving crashes and save lives.
Q&A
What evidence suggests that Stephen Schwalley was intentionally driving recklessly?
The video footage shows Schwalley driving at a high speed, running a red light, and steering into the only empty parking spot at the nail salon. He also did not attempt to brake before the crash.
What are the potential consequences for Stephen Schwalley?
Schwalley faces charges of second-degree murder, vehicular homicide, and assault. He could face a lengthy prison sentence if convicted.
How can we prevent drunk driving crashes?
The HALT Act, which aims to install passive technology in vehicles to detect impairment and stop the vehicle, is a promising step towards preventing drunk driving crashes. Public awareness campaigns and stricter enforcement of drunk driving laws are also crucial.
Show Notes
Shocking video released of the moments leading up to a devastating crash that claimed four lives at a nail salon on Long Island. The horrific footage appears to show the ex-marine visibly disheveled, buying liquor, before getting behind the wheel of his SUV and allegedly turning his vehicle into a deadly battering ram.
Stephen Schwally is seen on video speeding through a parking lot at close to 80-miles-per-hour, almost hitting pedestrians in a crosswalk before charging at full-speed into the Hawaii Nail & Spa. The video appears to show no deceleration from Schwally's vehicle, and the sound of screams can be heard from the salon as customers are seen running out of other businesses to see what is happening.
Inside Hawaii Nail & Salon, four people are dead, 9 others injured, some very seriously. One of those killed is NYPD Officer, Emilia Rennhack. The 30-year-old was assigned to the 102nd precinct in Queens where her husband, Carl Rennhack, is a detective. The Rennhacks were a month away from celebrating their one-year anniversary. Emilia Rennhack was getting her nails done for a friend's upcoming wedding.
41-year-old Yan Xu, and 50-year-old Meizi Zhang both worked at Hawaii Nail & Salon and were also killed in the crash. Yan Xu's family is seeking help in a fundraiser on GoFundMe to raise money for the care of her elderly father and her 12-year-old son, who has polio.
Kenny Chen, the manager of Hawaii Nail & Salon is among the 4 killed when the SUV crashed through the salon at nearly 80 miles per hour. Chen's wife was also at the salon at the time, and she is critically injured. She has already had one surgery with more to come, doctors say her recovery will take at least two years. The Chen's have two children, ages ten and five, and with their father dead and the mother facing multiple surgeries and years of recovery, a GoFundMe is set up by a nephew who says with the salon their only source of income, with Kenny Chen dead and his wife critically injured, they don't know where to turn for help.
Joining Nancy Grace today:
- Ben Powers - Criminal Defense Attorney, Facebook: Legal Powers PLLC, https://legalpowers.com
- Joseph Tremblay - Principal engineer and accident reconstructionist at Veritech consulting engineering, www.veritecheng.com
- Erica Linn - National Ambassador with Mother’s Against Drunk Driving and a member of the Regional Advisory Board for MADD in New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania
- Dr. Kendall Crowns - Chief Medical Examiner Tarrant County, Lecturer: Burnett School of Medicine at TCU
- Lauren Conlin - Podcaster/Reporter/Host- The Outlier Podcast & Co-Host of Primetime Crime on YouTube. Website: www.popcrime.tv & primetimecrimeshow.com X- @Conlin_Lauren, Instagram- @LaurenEmilyConlin, YouTube: @PopCrimeTV
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
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