PRESS RELEASE
Contact: William J. Smith (718) 556-7150
William.Smith@rcda.nyc.gov
For Immediate Release on November 8, 2006

D.A. Donovan: Murder Indictment Unsealed in Fatal DWI Crash
***Taliyah Taylor, 24, Indicted on Charge of 2nd Degree Murder &Related Charges in October 18th Incident Which Claimed the Life of Island Attorney***

     STATEN ISLAND, NY - Richmond County District Attorney Daniel M. Donovan, Jr. today announced the unsealing of a 6-count Grand Jury indictment against Taliyah Taylor (DOB: 2/28/1982), of Pine Place, Staten Island, for a October 18, 2006 incident in which the defendant is alleged to have operated a motor vehicle, while under the influence of drugs, which struck an killed a pedestrian, Larry Simon, 41, of St. George. The defendant, while driving a 1995 Nissan Maxima, is alleged to have fatally struck the victim as he was crossing Forest Avenue.

     The defendant has been charged with one felony count each of Murder and Vehicular Manslaughter in the 2nd Degree, two felony counts of Reckless Endangerment in the 1st Degree, a felony count of Driving While Intoxicated and the misdemeanor charges of Unlicensed Operation of a Motor Vehicle in the 3rd 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, “This murder indictment alleges that under circumstances evincing a depraved indifference to human life, Ms. Taylor created a grave risk of death to Mr. Simon’s and did in fact cause his death. While driving with a revoked license, impaired by the drugs Ecstasy and Marijuana, Ms. Taylor, without headlights on, crossed a double yellow line into oncoming traffic at an excessive rate of speed, then passed through a steady red light and struck Mr. Simon, causing his death.”

     Ms. Taylor is the second defendant to face murder charges in a fatal crash involving alcohol or drugs on Staten Island this year. On July 28th, John Sambuco, 21, pleaded guilty to 2nd Degree Murder for his role in a January 2006 fatal DWI crash which claimed the life of 18 year-old Marianna Edkins. He was sentenced to 15 years to life in prison on August 21st.

     The defendant was arraigned on the charges today in State Supreme Court in St. George before Justice Leonard P. Rienzi. She was ordered held without bail and is due back in court on December 11, 2006, pending the results of a psychological examination. Assistant District Attorney Mario Mattei, Chief of the Investigations Bureau will be prosecuting the case. The defendant is represented by Christopher Renfroe, Esq.

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

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