Republished March 11, 2020 - 11:57 AM
Original Publication Date March 11, 2020 - 10:56 AM
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. - A woman who drove her SUV over a New York mother who had been saluted by President Donald Trump for her crusade against gang violence was found guilty Wednesday of all charges.
Annmarie Drago was convicted of criminally negligent homicide, petit larceny and criminal mischief in the September 2018 death of Evelyn Rodriguez.
Rodriguez became a symbol in the fight against MS-13 gang violence after her 16-year-old daughter was hacked and beaten to death along with a friend on a suburban Long Island street.
She was killed after confronting Drago for trashing a memorial set up for the second anniversary of the girl’s death near the spot where she was slain. Prosecutors said the memorial was in front of Drago's mother's home and was concerned it would scare off potential buyers.
The fatal SUV strike was recorded by a television news crew that was rolling as dignitaries, including a congressman, prepared to head to the scene in Brentwood for a vigil.
Drago's defence team has said she never intended to hurt anyone and was only trying to escape Rodriguez and her companion.
Drago faces up to four years in prison.
News from © The Associated Press, 2020