A Queens man pleaded guilty to manslaughter charges on Monday for his involvement in a drunk driving incident that resulted in the death of Michael Ellis, an off-duty NYPD officer, District Attorney Melinda Katz said.
Kassun Brown, 32, faces up to 12 years in prison.
Brown’s sentencing is scheduled for this January — which will mark almost four years to the day when the collision originally occurred. Around 11:58 p.m., on Jan. 17, 2020, Brown sped past a stop sign at the intersection of Nashville Boulevard and Lucas Street in St. Albans, Queens, according to surveillance footage, officials said. Brown’s vehicle struck the one being driven by Ellis, sending it spinning into two other parked cars.
Ellis, 35, sustained numerous injuries, including a broken neck and multiple fractures, authorities said. He succumbed to his injuries several weeks later.
Brown’s blood alcohol content exceeded the maximum legal threshold, according to a press release from the Queens district attorney’s office. A passenger in Brown’s car also sustained injuries — a fractured femur — while Brown dislocated his right ankle, the release said.
“The defendant’s recklessness prematurely took the life of a young NYPD officer,” Katz said. “We welcome the guilty plea and hope it will provide some solace to Officer Ellis’ loved ones.”
An attorney for Brown did not immediately respond to requests for comment by Gothamist.
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