Manslaughter Indictment For Driver Who Fatally Hit Victoria Nicodemus
A grand jury has charged the man who ran over Victoria Nicodemus with manslaughter, reports DNAinfo.
Marlon Sewell was charged with second-degree manslaughter for the fatal collision on December 6, when Sewell hit three pedestrians outside of Not Ray’s Pizza near 694 Fulton Street while driving without a license, per DNAinfo. Nicodemus, 30, died of her injuries from the accident.
According to DNAInfo:
“Anybody who knew Victoria knew that she would fight for her family and her friends and would not let justice go unserved, and as her family and friends, we have to fight for her and for justice,” Miller said Monday.
“Personally I’m pleased that the Brooklyn District Attorney’s office moved forward with the grand jury investigation and I look forward to a vigorous prosecution of this case.”
A hearing date has not yet been set for Sewell’s arraignment.
His Legal Aid attorney Niamh O’Flaherty declined to comment.
Last month, Nicodemus’ brother, Hank Miller, posted a petition on Change.org, seeking a grand jury investigation into his sister’s death.
“[A]n innocent life was taken by a reckless, out-of-control and unlicensed driver and a ‘slap on the wrist’ misdemeanor charge is unacceptable. Victoria’s family and friends demand a full, Grand Jury investigation and no stone be left unturned or investigative procedure skipped.” wrote Miller in the petition.
Sewell’s license was suspended for failure to pay child support and he had long history of driving violations, including six tickets and three citations for speeding in school zones, reports DNAinfo.
“Change the law so that people who are sober and take lives are prosecuted like the drunks,” said Else Nicodemus, the victim’s mother, at a vigil intended to raise awareness for stiffer penalties and pedestrian safety.
The family has been outspoken in favor of safety measures like sidewalk extensions.
