Suffolk Reporter

Suffolk County District Attorney Raymond A. Tierney has announced the indictment of Melissa Koprowski, 31, from Yaphank, on multiple charges including manslaughter and vehicular manslaughter following a fatal crash in November 2024. The incident resulted in the death of Esther Guy, 75, from Coram, and injuries to another individual.

District Attorney Tierney emphasized the seriousness of impaired driving: “Driving while impaired is lethal activity and will be treated as such,” he stated. “My office will seek justice for the family of Esther Guy and will continue to aggressively prosecute anyone who chooses to threaten the safety of our roadways.”

The crash occurred on November 22, 2024, when Koprowski was allegedly driving a Dodge Durango eastbound on Middle Country Road in Middle Island. As she attempted a left turn at Wading River Hollow Road without right of way, her vehicle collided with a westbound Nissan Rogue carrying Esther Guy and two others. The collision sent the Nissan off-road into a wooded area.

Emergency responders arrived promptly, transporting all involved to Long Island Community Hospital. While the driver sustained injuries and was treated at the hospital, Esther Guy was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. A two-year-old child in the vehicle was unharmed.

Koprowski was also hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries and arrested upon displaying signs of intoxication. She faced arraignment on January 6, 2025, before Acting Supreme Court Justice Richard I. Horowitz for several charges including:

- Manslaughter in the Second Degree

- Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree

- Assault in both Second and Third Degrees

- Multiple counts related to Driving While Intoxicated

Justice Horowitz set bail options at $200,000 cash or $400,000 bond or a $1.5 million partially secured bond while suspending Koprowski’s license during ongoing proceedings. Her next court appearance is scheduled for February 5, 2025. John Halverson represents her legally.