Both of the women who were speeding and driving recklessly on Route 206 in Sandyston during the summer of last year, before one of them became stuck and killed a 22-year-old bicyclist, have been sentenced to six years in state prison without the possibility of parole.
According to the Sussex County Prosecutor’s Office, Sabrina A. Pomales, 30, and Elizabeth F. Palacios-Gotay, 22, both of whom reside in the Bronx, New York, have previously entered guilty pleas to the charge of aggravated manslaughter for their respective roles in the crash that occurred on June 29, 2024.
When imposing the penalties, Judge Janine Allen stated that she took into consideration the women’s ages as well as their lack of prior criminal history.
According to the authorities, the women were driving at speeds above 90 miles per hour in a zone at 50 miles per hour on the northbound side of Route 206. Additionally, they were illegally passing other vehicles and using the shoulder.
An accident that occurred at approximately 2:50 p.m. had Gotay’s vehicle flipping over after she had struck Damian Baranowski from behind and then hit a utility pole.
At the scene, close to milepost 125.3, it was determined that Baranowski, who was from Milford, Pennsylvania, had passed away.
Gotay was taken to the hospital having sustained severe injuries.
In the month of May 2024, Baranowski received his degree from New York University.
According to the statement made by the prosecutor’s office, “individuals who operate vehicles at an excessive speed endanger the lives of both themselves and everyone else on the roadway.” “It is of the utmost importance that motorists conduct themselves in a responsible and safe manner, keeping in mind that the choices they make can have fatal repercussions for other people.”
