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The Onondaga County District Attorney's office has provided new information about a tragic crash in Syracuse that claimed the life of 47-year-old Maurice Watkins. On Thursday (June 26), 20-year-old Antwan Reed was driving his SUV at 81 miles per hour on James Street when he collided with another vehicle. Reed, who was intoxicated at the time, faces multiple charges including aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter, and driving while intoxicated.
The crash occurred near Lincoln Middle School, where the speed limit is 20 miles per hour. According to a preliminary report from the accident reconstruction team, the impact of the crash was so severe that it ejected Watkins and two others from the vehicle. The driver of the other car, a 71-year-old woman, sustained serious injuries but is expected to survive. Reed's other passengers are in critical but stable condition.
Reed was arraigned from his hospital bed and is currently held at the Onondaga County Justice Center on a $200,000 bail. The crash also caused significant damage to the area, knocking over street signs and a fire hydrant.
According to CNY Central, Reed admitted to being intoxicated, with police noting his slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. The Syracuse Police Department reported that the speed of Reed's vehicle caused other cars to shake as he passed them.
LocalSYR noted that Reed was charged with reckless driving and other traffic-related offenses.
Syracuse.com reported that Watkins' family has identified him as the victim, and this tragic event comes after Watkins' son died in a crash in 2016. Reed's legal proceedings are ongoing as he awaits trial.