Kia driver convicted in crash that killed four teenagers
BUFFALO, NY (WIVB) — A 17-year-old Buffalo man who was driving the Kia in a car accident that killed four teenagers last fall has been sentenced to 16 months to four years in prison.
The teenager was driving the Kia Sportage at about 6:40 a.m. on October 24, 2022 when he hit the concrete embankment at the intersection of Route 33 and Route 198. Five passengers were ejected, four of whom were 14. Ahjanae Harper, 16, Kevin Payne, 16, Swazine Swindle, 17, and Marcus Webster, 19, were killed in the crash.
In addition, a 14-year-old girl was admitted to the ECMC with serious injuries.
The Erie County District Attorney’s Office said the vehicle was reported stolen from Marine Drive in Buffalo earlier in the morning. Last June, the driver pleaded guilty to four counts of involuntary manslaughter, one count of assault and one count of criminal possession of stolen property.
Judge Susan Eagan had previously granted the juvenile offender juvenile delinquent status, which set the parameters of his sentencing.
Aidan Joly joined the News 4 team in 2022. He is a graduate of Canisius College. You can see more of his work here.
