The Homicide Squad reports the details of a Fatal Vehicular Accident that occurred on Sunday, August 10, 2025 at 1:19 PM in East Meadow.
According to detectives, a 40-year-old female was operating a 2012 Nissan Maxima northbound on Carman Avenue and collided with a 2024 Nissan Altima being operated by a 57-year-old female westbound on Salisbury Park Drive, making a left turn onto Carman Avenue. The 2024 Nissan Altima was additionally occupied by two passengers, a 55-year-old male, and a 56-year-old female. All four occupants were transported to an area hospital for treatment. The 55-year-old male was pronounced deceased at the hospital. The other occupants sustained minor injuries. The investigation is ongoing.
*** UPDATE***
The victim has been identified as Steven Diamond, 55, of Farmingdale.
***UPDATE***
Following a thorough investigation, defendant Cassandra Panetta, 40 of 44 Belmont Avenue, Plainview was arrested on Friday, October 17, 2025 for the above listed incident.
Defendant Cassandra Panetta is charged with Manslaughter 2nd degree, Assault 2nd degree, Assault 3rd degree, Vehicular Manslaughter 2nd degree, Reckless Driving and Driving While Ability Impaired (DWAI). She was arraigned on Friday, October 17, 2025 at Nassau County Court, 262 Old Country Road, Mineola.