UPDATE: A hit-and-run incident in Chinatown, New York City, has tragically claimed the lives of two individuals, and the driver involved had a prior history of serious charges, according to police. 23-year-old Autumn Donna Ascencio Romero was behind the wheel of a stolen vehicle filled with drugs and alcohol when she struck and killed a man riding his bicycle and 63-year-old Mary Kwok sitting on a bench at approximately 7:30 a.m. Saturday.
Authorities confirm that Romero, who had been charged in an earlier crash just three months ago, was released without bail due to New York’s bail-reform laws. In that incident on April 13, she faced charges for leaving the scene of an accident that injured a pedestrian, a 22-year-old woman who sustained facial and neck injuries. Following her arrest the next day, she was arraigned and released, with a court date set for August 5.
In the recent incident, police report that Romero was driving a stolen blue Chevy Malibu rented from Enterprise Rent-A-Car, which had not been returned and was reported stolen 17 days prior. The vehicle was discovered to be packed with alcohol and drugs, including pills and marijuana. After the crash, which involved colliding with an NYPD van, Romero and her passenger, 22-year-old Kennedy LaCraft, fled the scene but were quickly apprehended by authorities nearby.
“That’s her hangout spot,”
said Peter Kwok, brother of the deceased Mary Kwok, referring to the bench where his sister was killed. He expressed deep sorrow over the incident, noting that she struggled with mental illness and often spent time in the area, including attending church in Chinatown. “I had thought about the scenario, you know, what could happen to her,” he added, emphasizing the unpredictability of city life.
As investigations continue, charges against Romero are pending, with reports indicating she could face severe penalties for the latest fatal crash. LaCraft has been charged with criminal possession of a weapon and unauthorized use of a motor vehicle.
This developing story raises serious questions about public safety and the implications of bail-reform legislation, as the community grapples with the aftermath of this tragedy. The Brooklyn District Attorney’s Office has yet to respond to inquiries regarding Romero’s previous charges and her release.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities are urging witnesses to come forward to assist in understanding the full circumstances surrounding this devastating event. The community mourns the loss of two lives, highlighting the urgent need for discussions on accountability in similar cases. Stay tuned for more updates as this story develops.
