A 66-year-old man has been found guilty in a tragic drunk-driving crash that killed four people and injured several others in Deer Park, New York. The incident shocked the local community after a vehicle slammed into a busy nail salon, causing devastating loss of life. A jury has now convicted the driver on all charges, including multiple counts of second-degree murder.
Driver Found Guilty in Deadly Nail Salon Crash
Steven Schwally, 66, was found guilty on 30 charges connected to the fatal crash that took place in June 2024. Among the charges were four counts of second-degree murder, reflecting the seriousness of the incident.
The verdict was announced on June 4. Schwally was not present in court during the hearing because he had reportedly suffered a major heart attack shortly before the verdict was delivered.
The case attracted significant attention because of the large number of victims and the circumstances surrounding the crash.
What Happened on June 28, 2024?
The crash occurred on the afternoon of June 28, 2024, when Schwally allegedly drove his vehicle into Hawaii Nails and Spa, a nail salon located in a strip mall in Deer Park, New York.
Witnesses described the impact as extremely violent. According to reports, the vehicle crashed into the building at a very high speed, causing a massive explosion-like scene inside the salon.
People nearby reported chaos immediately after the collision. Debris was scattered across the area, and emergency responders rushed to help those trapped inside.
Investigators later revealed that surveillance footage showed the vehicle entering the salon at approximately 78 miles per hour.
Victims Who Lost Their Lives
Four people were killed in the tragic incident:
| Victim Name | Details |
|---|---|
| Emilia Rennhack | Off-duty New York Police Department officer |
| Jiancai “Ken” Chen | Salon employee |
| Yan “Jenny” Xu | Salon employee |
| Meizi Zhang | Salon employee |
The deaths deeply affected both the local community and the victims’ families. Reports also stated that nine other people suffered injuries in the crash.
Emergency crews faced difficult rescue operations because some victims were trapped underneath the vehicle after impact.
Alcohol Consumption and Investigation
Prosecutors argued that alcohol played a major role in the crash.
According to evidence presented during the trial, Schwally’s blood alcohol level was more than twice the legal limit. Prosecutors also claimed that he consumed around 18 beers during the night before the crash.
During the investigation, Detective Brian Whitehead testified that Schwally admitted drinking until approximately 3 a.m. or 4 a.m. before the incident. The detective also stated that Schwally told investigators he remembered very little about what happened.
However, Schwally reportedly recalled being inside his vehicle near the salon and remembered that the airbags had deployed after the collision.
Defense Arguments in Court
The defense team challenged the prosecution’s claims during the trial.
Lawyers argued that Schwally was a disabled driver whose right leg had locked up unexpectedly. They also questioned the accuracy of the blood alcohol testing process.
The defense suggested that the crash may have been caused by a medical or physical issue rather than intoxication alone.
Despite these arguments, jurors ultimately accepted the evidence presented by prosecutors and returned guilty verdicts on all charges.
Previous DWI Conviction
The trial also highlighted Schwally’s driving history.
Court records showed that he had previously been convicted of Driving While Intoxicated (DWI) in 2013. Prosecutors used this information to demonstrate that he was already aware of the dangers and legal consequences associated with drunk driving.
The prior conviction became an important part of the case as jurors considered the circumstances surrounding the deadly crash.
Sentencing and Possible Punishment
Schwally is scheduled to be sentenced on August 12.
According to reports, he could face a prison sentence ranging from 27 years to life behind bars. Earlier in the legal process, prosecutors reportedly offered a plea deal that would have resulted in a sentence of 22 years to life. However, that offer was rejected.
The final sentencing decision will now rest with the court.
