PRESS RELEASE

For Immediate Release on January 30, 2006

Contact: William J. Smith (718) 556-7150
William.Smith@rcda.nyc.gov

D.A. Donovan: Murder Charges Filed in Fatal DWI Crash
John Sambuco, 21, Indicted on Charges of 2nd Degree Murder & Related Charges in January 10th Incident Which Claimed the Life of 18 year-old Mariana Edkins

STATEN ISLAND, NY - Richmond County District Attorney Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. today announced the filing of a 12-count Grand Jury indictment against John Sambuco (DOB: 8/16/1984), of Lucille Avenue, Staten Island, for a January 10, 2006 incident in which the defendant is alleged to have operated a motor vehicle, while under the influence of alcohol and drugs, which collided with another vehicle, killing its’ passenger, 18 year-old Mariana Edkins and injuring the driver, also age 18.

The defendant has been charged with one felony count each of Murder and Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree, two felony counts each of Assault in the 1st and 2nd Degree, Reckless Endangerment in the 2nd Degree, Operating a Motor Vehicle While under the Influence of Alcohol or Drugs, and one misdemeanor charge of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the 4th Degree. The top count of the indictment, Murder in the 2nd Degree, carries a maximum penalty of 25 years to life in prison.

District Attorney Donovan stated, ‘The charges contained in this indictment should serve as a wake-up call to anyone who drives while under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Anyone who doubts that drunk driving is a violent crime needs to look at what remains of the car these two girls were riding in. Anyone who doubts the seriousness of the crime of drunk driving needs to speak to the family and friends of Mariana Edkins.”

The defendant was arraigned on the charges today in State Supreme Court in St. George before Judge Leonard P. Rienzi. He was ordered held without bail and to undergo a psychiatric examination prior to a March 7, 2006,
court appearance. The case will be prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Mario Mattei, Chief of the Investigations Bureau will be prosecuting the case. The defendant is represented by Louis Diamond, Esq.

The public is reminded that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

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