August 14th 2024.
In a heartbreaking turn of events, a woman from Long Island, New York received probation on August 6th after pleading guilty to causing the death of anti-gang activist Evelyn Rodriguez. It was a devastating loss for Rodriguez's family, who were gathered at a memorial for her teenage daughter when the fatal incident occurred in 2018.
According to reports from CBS News, 63-year-old Ann Marie Drago was originally facing three years in prison, but was ultimately sentenced to five years of probation for the crime of criminally negligent homicide. This decision came after two trials, with the first resulting in a guilty verdict that was later overturned and the second ending in a hung jury. The court ultimately decided that Drago had already suffered enough.
As the sentence was announced, tears flowed from the eyes of Rodriguez's family, while Drago showed no emotion. Freddy Cuevas, the father of Rodriguez's slain daughter, expressed disappointment in the outcome, saying, "We didn't get the justice that we were looking for. Her receiving probation is like a slap on the wrist."
The tragic incident occurred while Drago was trying to sell her mother's house and was concerned that the ongoing memorial would turn away potential buyers. She was accused of destroying the memorial just hours before it was set to take place. When Cuevas and Rodriguez confronted her about her actions while she was in her car, she allegedly stepped on the accelerator, fatally striking Rodriguez.
In her defense, Drago claimed it was all a terrible accident. But Cuevas believes that his daughter's death should not be taken lightly. "I just feel sorrow for my daughters and the pain they are going through," he said. "Evelyn was a great advocate for the community."
He also acknowledged that while Drago may be free now, she will eventually have to answer for her actions. "She may be living her life, but judgment day will come for her," Cuevas added. It was a bittersweet victory for the family, who will continue to mourn the loss of their beloved Evelyn while also seeking justice for her untimely death.
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