DEER PARK, NY — The driver convicted in the deadly crash at a Deer Park nail salon was sentenced Wednesday to 25 years to life in prison, the maximum punishment allowed.
Steven Schwally, 66, was found guilty in June of second-degree murder and other charges after prosecutors said he slammed his car into the Hawaii Nail Salon and Spa on June 28, 2024.
Judge says Schwally showed complete disregard for life
State Supreme Court Justice Richard Ambro told Schwally that he had shown “nothing short of a complete and utter disregard for human life.” Ambro also said he hoped Schwally would never be released from prison.
The judge added, “I only regret sentences can’t be longer.”
During the hearing, Schwally did not make eye contact with victims’ relatives or survivors and later made a middle-finger gesture toward a photographer, according to officials in court.
Four people died when the car struck the salon
The crash killed salon owner Jiancai Chen, employees Yan Xu and Meizi Zhang, and off-duty NYPD officer Emilia Rennhack. Nine other people were hurt in the violent impact.
Prosecutors said video showed Schwally driving 78 mph and argued that his blood-alcohol level was 0.17, more than twice the legal limit.
They said he had bought alcohol before the crash and should have used a rideshare instead of drinking and driving.
Families and survivors described lasting harm from the crash
Victims and relatives addressed the court before sentencing. Rennhack’s husband, Carl Rennhack, asked for the maximum sentence and said his wife had much more she wanted to do.
Annabelle Saccente, who was inside the salon as a customer, said she went through surgery, rehabilitation and physical therapy and missed more than 200 days of school while recovering.
Schwally apologized in court and his lawyer said he did not mean to kill anyone, arguing that his leg locked on the accelerator and disputing the blood-alcohol test.
Schwally had rejected a plea deal before trial
Schwally had earlier turned down a plea agreement that would have resulted in 22 years to life in prison. He was not present when the jury returned its guilty verdict after suffering a heart attack.
Prosecutors said he was required to appear for sentencing Wednesday morning. The salon owners, who also survived the crash, have said they permanently closed the business.
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