Driver In Fatal Elmont DWI Crash Pleads Not Guilty To Manslaughter And Other Charges: DA

MINEOLA, NY — A Queens man pleaded not guilty to charges including aggravated vehicular homicide and drunk driving Tuesday that stemmed from a fatal DWI crash in December of 2025, prosecutors said.

According to prosecutors, 35-year-old Deodat Ramotar was arraigned this week on charges of aggravated vehicular homicide, second-degree manslaughter, second-degree vehicular manslaughter, aggravated vehicular assault, first-degree vehicular assault, two counts of second-degree vehicular assault, three counts of second-degree assault, one count of DWI per se, one count of DWI common law, and reckless driving.

Those charges, prosecutors said, stemmed from a 2025 crash on the Southern State Parkway in Elmont that took the life of 58-year-old Ramash Boodnie and seriously injured two other passengers, all of whom are members of Ramotar's family, Ramotar's attorney said.

According to prosecutors, Ramotar was driving through a snowstorm on the westbound side of the parkway at 4 a.m. on Dec. 14, 2025, approaching an exit for the Belt Parkway, when he began swerving his black 2012 Hyundai Sonata. That swerving led to Ramotar’s Sonata spinning out in the snow and striking a tree on the northern shoulder of the parkway, officials said.

When the car struck the tree, all three passengers in the backseat of the car were ejected from the vehicle, officials said. Boodnie was killed instantly, while the other passengers suffered injuries including a traumatic brain injury, a fractured skull, a shattered hip and pelvis, and multiple internal wounds, prosecutors said. Ramotar and a passenger in the front of the car, prosecutors said, were unharmed.

“It's a very tragic case, which has really shattered a family," Ramotar's attorney, Jason Russo, said. "However, the entire family…[of] the deceased, and the other people that were injured, are all supporting my client, who has never been in any trouble before, never had anything like this happen before. And it really is a tragic circumstance.

Blood taken from Ramotar’s body about two hours after the crash revealed a BAC of .09 percent, prosecutors said.

“What started as a fun gathering with loved ones ended in tragedy because of this defendant’s alleged actions.” Donnelly said. “Deodat Ramotar allegedly spent the night drinking at a family party, got behind the wheel during a snowstorm with a car full of passengers, and crashed into a tree, killing 58-year-old Ramash Boodnie. This crash was entirely preventable and my office intends to hold the defendant fully accountable for the devastation he caused.”

Ramotar was arrested the day of the crash and is due back in court Sept. 2, prosecutors said. He could face up to 25 years in prison if convicted, prosecutors said.

“The family recognizes that this was a tragic accident, and this is so out of character for my client…he’s been a model citizen, a great family man, a hardworking guy," Russo said. “My client is ready to accept responsibility and resolve the case. And I think you're going see that happen very fast."