Drunk Driving Life Sentence
Drunk Driver Sentenced to 25 Years to Life for Fatal Long Island Nail Salon Crash
Steven Schwally, 66, has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison for crashing his SUV into a Long Island nail salon while drunk, killing four people. A jury convicted him of four counts of second-degree murder. According to WLOS, Schwally appeared to flip off cameras as he entered the courtroom for sentencing.
The crash happened on June 28, 2024, at Hawaii Nail & Spa on Long Island, New York. Among the four people killed was an off-duty NYPD police officer. Three others — including the salon's owner — were injured.
Schwally's Blood Alcohol Was More Than Double the Legal Limit
Investigators tested Schwally's blood alcohol content after the crash. It came back at 0.17%. New York's legal limit is 0.08%. That means Schwally was more than twice the legal limit when he drove into the salon, according to Fox 17.
Police found two empty 375-milliliter bottles of Montebello Long Island Iced Tea Cocktail on the front passenger floorboard of Schwally's SUV. The bottles were found right at the crash scene. Investigators say they show Schwally had been drinking before getting behind the wheel.
Four People Killed, Salon Owner Among the Injured
The crash killed four people inside and around the nail salon. One of the victims was an off-duty NYPD officer. The salon's owner, Emilia Rennhack, survived but was injured. Two employees were also hurt, according to News 3 Las Vegas.
The crash tore through the front of the salon. Witnesses described a scene of chaos. The business, Hawaii Nail & Spa, was open and serving customers at the time of the crash.
Jury Convicted Schwally on Murder Charges, Not Just DUI
Prosecutors charged Schwally with second-degree murder — not just drunk driving. The jury agreed and convicted him on four counts. He also faced several other charges tied to the crash, according to Fox San Antonio.
Second-degree murder charges in a DUI case are unusual. Prosecutors use them when they can show a driver knew their behavior was dangerous and did it anyway. Schwally's high BAC and prior driving history helped support that argument in court.
Schwally's Courtroom Gesture Shocks Victims' Families
As Schwally entered the courtroom for sentencing, he appeared to flip off cameras, according to WWMT. The gesture was seen by victims' family members who were present. Many had come to deliver emotional impact statements before the judge handed down the sentence.
The judge sentenced Schwally to 25 years to life. At 66 years old, he is unlikely to ever leave prison. Victims' families called the sentence a measure of justice, though many said nothing could undo the loss they suffered on June 28, 2024.
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