Victim's Mom Confronts Alleged DWI Driver

Shouts of "murderer" echoed through a Suffolk County courtroom, as an alleged drunk driver faced an arraignment judge.

The rage and sadness poured from the mother of the teen killed on Sunrise Highway in Amityville Wednesday night. 

"He's a murderer.  He killed my child," Yolanda Silvera said.  "What more can I say."

Kenneth Serwan, 46, of Lindenhurst was behind the wheel of a Chevy that struck and killed Tynielle Silvera, 18, according to Suffolk county police.

Silvera, a high school honors student, was walking from the train station near her home, returning from a tutoring session in Brooklyn.

"She wanted to be a lawyer," her mom said.  "She was just the perfect child."

Serwan pleaded not guilty to drunk driving charges at his arraignment.  Bail for him was set at a hundred thousand dollars.  His lawyer refused comment.  

"I don't want to try this case in the media," said Joel Salinger.

Serwan showed clear signs of intoxication, according to Suffolk police Det. Lt. Robert Edwards.

"He did not flee the scene but based on the observations of officers, he was charged with driving while intoxicated," said Edwards.

Multiple witnesses are being questioned, accordng to Edwards; but, it is still unclear if Serwan was speeding or ran a red light before the crash.

"He told police he just didn't have enough time to avoid Silvera," said a law enforcement source.  Serwan did submit to a blood alcohol test after the crash.  The results are still pending.

"For him to do this and put her family through so much pain just isn't fair," said Kevaughn Hammond, Silvera's boyfriend.

The two had spoken just hours before the crash and according to Hammond, Silvera declined his offer to pick her up at the train station.

"If I had known what was going to happen," Hammond said.  "But she told me it was okay because I was tired."

Silvera had graduated from Andrew Jackson high school in Queens, according to Hammond and had been accepted at several Ivy League colleges.

"But she turned them all down to stay with me and go to school with me," said Hammond.  "She was the first girl I ever loved."

"Its a Christmas tragedy," said Det. Lt. Edwards, who again urged that drivers think twice before getting behind the wheel and driving.

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