Former NYPD sergeant pleads guilty to deadly wrong-way crash

Former NYPD sergeant Tiffany Howell has pleaded guilty to aggravated vehicular homicide and second-degree manslaughter following a deadly wrong-way crash on the Taconic State Parkway.

The incident occurred on January 22 in Westchester County. Howell, who was off-duty at the time, was driving south in the northbound lanes at speeds exceeding 50 miles per hour while intoxicated. Her blood alcohol content was reported to be at least 0.18, more than twice the legal limit. The collision was a head-on crash with a vehicle driven by Manuel Boitel, who died shortly after the accident.

New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the plea. Howell has waived her right to appeal, and sentencing is scheduled for October 28. Judge Anne B. Bianchi indicated a planned sentence of four to 12 years in prison. Howell's bail remains set at $250,000, or a $500,000 partially secured bond with a $100,000 cash alternative.