Drunk driver receives 25-to-life term for crashing into Long Island nail salon
A 66-year-old man who drove his SUV into a nail salon on Long Island, killing an off-duty NYPD officer and three others, was sentenced to 25-years-to-life.
In June 2024, Steven Schwally, a 66-year-old self-described alcoholic, drove his Chevrolet Traverse at roughly 78 mph into Hawaii Nail & Spa in Deer Park, Long Island, after consuming a large amount of alcohol. The impact killed off-duty NYPD officer Emilia Rennhack, 30, and salon owner Jian Chai Chen, 37, along with employees Yan Xu, 41, and Mei Zi Zhang, 50. Nine other patrons were hurt, among them a 12-year-old who needed surgery.
A blood test later showed his BAC was.17, more than twice the legal limit. Suffolk County District Attorney Ray Tierney highlighted the reckless conduct, noting the driver ignored four stop signs and ran a red light. Schwally was found guilty of four second-degree murder counts and numerous other charges, receiving a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Why it matters
The case underscores the severe consequences of drunk driving and the legal system's response to fatal reckless conduct.
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