A Sanborn teenager has pleaded guilty to vehicular manslaughter for her involvement in a devastating crash that claimed the life of a passenger, as announced by the Niagara County District Attorney's Office. Ninaatikwe A. Hamby, 19, admitted to driving while under the influence of cannabis when the accident occurred in the early morning hours of February 25th at the intersection of Walmore and Upper Mountain Roads.
According to officials, the vehicle, traveling northbound on Walmore failed to stop at a stop sign resulting in the collision. Tragically, the crash resulted in the death of a 20-year-old male who was seated in the backseat of the vehicle. The victim was not only a passenger but also a family member of Hamby.
A 27-year-old male who occupied the front seat suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to ECMC for treatment. All three occupants of the vehicle were residents of the Tuscarora Reservation.
"The outcome of Ms. Hamby's decision to drive while under the influence of cannabis was the death of a family member," expressed Niagara County District Attorney Brian Seaman in a press release. "It cannot be emphasized enough how dangerous it is to drive under the influence of marijuana. In this case, the result is the complete devastation of a family."
Hamby pleaded guilty to second-degree vehicular manslaughter and now faces a potential prison sentence of up to seven years. The sentencing will be determined by County Court Judge John Ottaviano.
The investigation into the crash was conducted by the Lewiston Police Department and the Niagara County Sheriff's Office. Vehicular Crimes Bureau Chief Christine Savoia led the prosecution of the case.