QUEENS, NY — A 38-year-old man is facing murder and multiple felony charges after prosecutors say he intentionally drove his SUV into a family walking away from a Queens restaurant, killing a 16-year-old girl and injuring her mother and stepfather.
According to the Queens District Attorney’s Office, Edwin Cruz Gomez was arraigned Sunday on charges of murder, attempted murder, assault, vehicular manslaughter and other crimes.
The incident happened around 4:10 a.m. Saturday outside the Prima Donna Restaurant. Prosecutors allege Cruz Gomez offered the teen and her mother money for sex minutes before the crash, sparking a confrontation with the teen’s stepfather. Bystanders intervened and separated the men, and the family — including the teen, her mother, stepfather and boyfriend — began walking away.
Authorities say Cruz Gomez then got behind the wheel of a Chevrolet Suburban and accelerated into the group, pinning 16-year-old Jhoanny Alvarez against a pole and injuring her mother and stepfather. After the collision, he allegedly reversed into a parked van, abandoned the SUV and fled on foot.
Police say Cruz Gomez approached nearby NYPD officers claiming he had been assaulted. Officers followed him back to the crash site and measured his blood alcohol content at 0.137%, well over the legal limit of 0.08%.
Jhoanny Alvarez was pronounced dead at the scene. Her mother was hospitalized with leg injuries. The entire incident was captured on both bystander and surveillance video.
If convicted, Cruz Gomez faces 25 years to life in prison. His next court appearance is scheduled for Sept. 19. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said her office will “seek justice” for the teen and her family.