Driver in Fatal NYC Crash Held Without Bail as Gruesome Details Emerge [WATCH]

A 23-year-old woman accused of killing two pedestrians in a high-speed crash in Manhattan has been ordered held without bail following a court appearance on Tuesday, as reported by The New York Post.

Autumn Donna Ascencio Romero is facing multiple charges, including murder, manslaughter, and vehicular homicide, in connection with Saturday’s fatal wreck in the Chinatown neighborhood of New York City.

According to prosecutors, Romero was driving a stolen blue 2024 Chevrolet Malibu at the time of the crash, which left both victims “severely dismembered.” The vehicle, which had been rented but not returned, contained two loaded 9mm handguns and an open bottle of tequila.

The new details emerged as 23-year-old Autumn Donna Ascencio Romero was arraigned on murder, manslaughter and vehicular homicide charges and ordered held without bail in the horrific Saturday morning crash that killed both bystanders in Chinatown. https://t.co/la1GA8idiL

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The victims were identified as 63-year-old May Kwok and 55-year-old Kevin Scott Cruickshank, a Chase bank manager and avid cyclist.

Surveillance footage reportedly captured the moment Cruickshank was struck while riding his bicycle, just before both victims were killed by the oncoming vehicle.

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Romero’s passenger, 22-year-old Kennedy Lecraft, was also arrested in connection with the incident. He was arraigned Monday on charges of unauthorized use of a vehicle and possession of stolen property. Lecraft is being held on $150,000 cash bail or a $300,000 bond.

Romero allegedly fled the crash scene covered in blood, leaving behind the firearms and alcohol in the vehicle.

She was later taken into custody and arraigned in Manhattan Criminal Court, where prosecutors described the violent aftermath and the conditions of the two deceased victims.

“The driver, Autumn Donna Ascencio Romero, was charged Monday with murder, manslaughter, vehicular manslaughter, aggravated vehicular homicide, criminal possession of a weapon, leaving the scene of an accident and criminal possession of stolen property.”’#NotLikeUs https://t.co/7yntB0gixx

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Prosecutors also revealed that Romero is currently facing charges related to a separate vehicular incident in Brooklyn from April, where she allegedly seriously injured a 22-year-old woman in another traffic crash.

The Manhattan District Attorney’s office described the evidence against Romero as substantial and graphic, citing the recovered video footage, ballistic evidence, and physical findings from the crash scene.

Authorities have not disclosed whether additional charges will be filed related to the firearms or the alcohol found in the car. Investigators are also working to determine the timeline and circumstances under which the vehicle was taken and why it had not been returned.

The crash occurred early Saturday morning near the intersection of Canal and Allen streets. The investigation remains ongoing.

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