An Angola man has been arraigned on multiple charges after allegedly causing a fatal crash that claimed the life of an 8-year-old boy. The Erie County District Attorney's Office announced the arraignment on Thursday, highlighting the serious nature of the incident.
Markus R. Genovese, 53, is accused of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol and without a license when the crash occurred on the night of June 8th. According to officials, Genovese was driving a pickup truck northbound on Lake Shore Road when he collided with the rear-end of an SUV that was stopped at an intersection preparing to make a left turn onto Eckhardt Road. Following the crash, Genovese allegedly abandoned his vehicle and fled the scene, eventually being located in nearby woods by law enforcement officials.
Tragically, 8-year-old Thomas Ross, who was a passenger in the backseat of the SUV, sustained fatal injuries in the collision. A 4-year-old boy, also in the backseat, was transported to Oishei Children's Hospital by ambulance where he received treatment for his injuries and was later released. The driver of the SUV, identified as the children's mother, was the intended target of Genovese's alleged reckless actions.
Genovese himself was also taken to Erie County Medical Center (ECMC) for treatment following the crash. During his initial arraignment at ECMC, he pleaded not guilty to the charges. However, he has since been remanded without bail.
The charges against Genovese include one count of second-degree manslaughter, two counts of first-degree vehicular manslaughter, two counts of second-degree vehicular manslaughter, and one count of leaving the scene of an incident resulting in death. If convicted, he could face a maximum sentence of 15 years in prison.
Genovese is scheduled to appear in court again on August 15th as the legal proceedings continue. The tragic loss of young Thomas Ross has left the community mourning. The Erie County District Attorney's Office, along with law enforcement agencies, is committed to seeking justice for the victim and his family. As the case progresses, updates will be provided to the public - Drunk Driver Arraigned for Crash Resulting in Tragic Death of 8-Year-Old Boy.