Driver in Crash That Killed L.I. Grad Charged With Second-Degree Murder

Brittney Walsh, 18, was driving home from work when her car was struck by a 2004 Nissan

A Long Island man accused of driving drunk in a crash that killed a recent high school graduate was indicted Wednesday on charges including second-degree murder.     

He was also charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, second-degree manslaughter, and leaving the scene of an accident, all felonies.

Prosecutors say Michael Grasing had a blood-alcohol reading nearly four times the legal limit of 0.08 in the June crash in Lindenhurst.

Suffolk County District Attorney Thomas Spota says Grasing ran two red lights and was weaving in traffic before striking Brittney Walsh's car. Spota says Grasing was driving at speeds approaching 100 mph.     

The 18-year-old Walsh had just graduated with an advanced Regents diploma from Walter G. O'Connell Copiague High School.     

Grasing was initially charged with DWI and bail was set at $100,000. He has pleaded not guilty.     

The indictment was unsealed Wednesday in a Riverhead courtroom. 

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