DA VANCE ANNOUNCES GUILTY PLEA IN 2010 BOATING HOMICIDE IN NEW YORK HARBOR
“Power boats, like cars, are potentially deadly weapons when piloted without proper caution,” said District Attorney Vance. “This individual was not only under the influence of alcohol, but he also failed to follow several rules of nautical navigation and to maintain a proper watch, resulting in tragedy. Far too many people take the wheel after a few drinks without realizing that they are over the legal limit, putting the lives of everyone in their path at risk.”
As admitted in his guilty plea and documents filed in court, on July 2, 2010, at approximately 6:20 p.m., AQUILONE was operating a powerboat with five passengers in New York Harbor. Despite clear conditions and calm water, the defendant drove his boat directly towards another powerboat for about one mile before colliding with it, killing one passenger aboard the other boat and injuring two others.
Assistant District Attorney Randolph Clarke, Jr. handled the prosecution of this case, under the supervision of Assistant District Attorneys John Wolfstaetter and Jill Hoexter, Co-Chiefs of the Vehicular Crimes Unit; and Assistant District Attorney John Irwin, Deputy Chief of the Trial Division.
Defendant Information:
RICHARD AQUILONE, D.O.B. 9/20/70
Jersey City, NJ
Convicted:
- Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a class D felony, 1 count
- Vehicular Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, 1 count
Criminally Negligent Homicide, a class E felony, 1 count