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Incident location, Long Island
What Happened
Twenty-four-year-old Frank Labidi was indicted Thursday on manslaughter and assault charges in connection with a deadly January crash on Old Country Road in Hicksville that killed two teenage passengers. According to prosecutors, Labidi was driving 83 mph in a 40 mph zone on January 23 when the crash occurred, killing two 19-year-old passengers, who both suffered traumatic injuries and were pronounced dead at the scene.
Prosecutors allege that Labidi had deliberately disabled a critical safety feature on his vehicle that prevents cars from drifting and spinning before the fatal crash. Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly revealed that while Labidi had recently raced professionally, his actions on public roads led to what she characterized as an entirely preventable tragedy. “Speeding and reckless driving are not harmless thrills. It’s not content for TikTok or Instagram to drive up your likes,” Donnelly said during Thursday’s proceedings.
Both victims were dedicated first responders in their community. One victim worked as an Emergency Medical Technician, while the other served as both a volunteer firefighter and EMT. The loss has devastated multiple families, with relatives describing how the victims were always the first to respond and help others. Family members of the victims explained: “They were driving faster than their guardian angel could fly that night, and they weren’t able to be protected.”
The victims’ families gathered at the courthouse Thursday to witness the indictment proceedings, expressing their grief and anger over the preventable deaths. “I just want this guy to know that he destroyed multiple families,” said one family member. Another family member emphasized the driver’s responsibility for his passengers’ safety: “There is no reason they couldn’t get home but the driver and his choices, and it wasn’t his choice to make for them.”
Labidi pleaded not guilty to all charges during Thursday’s arraignment and left the courthouse without making any public comments. He remains free on bail while awaiting trial. If convicted on the manslaughter charges, Labidi faces up to 15 years in prison, according to prosecutors.
The families of both victims have expressed frustration with what they perceive as inadequate traffic safety laws. Family members speaking outside the courthouse called for legislative changes: “People gotta slow down. The laws gotta change. The laws are so, so weak.” Other family members stressed the serious responsibility that comes with operating a vehicle: “You’re responsible for the people in your car, and driving a vehicle is a serious thing not to play around with.” The victims’ families indicated they are actively working on efforts to strengthen existing traffic safety legislation.
Location & Road Context
The fatal crash occurred on Old Country Road in Hicksville, a major east-west arterial road that runs through multiple Nassau County communities. Old Country Road serves as a significant thoroughfare connecting various Long Island towns and carries substantial daily traffic volumes through both residential and commercial areas.
The 40 mph speed limit where the crash occurred reflects the mixed-use nature of this section of roadway, which passes through developed areas with businesses, intersections, and pedestrian activity that require reduced speeds for safety.
Investigation & Legal Proceedings
Nassau County prosecutors moved forward with formal charges against Labidi following their investigation into the January 23 crash. The indictment includes both manslaughter and assault charges, reflecting the serious nature of the allegations and the prosecution’s belief that Labidi’s actions directly caused the deaths of both passengers.
The case will now proceed through the Nassau County court system, with Labidi facing the possibility of a lengthy prison sentence if convicted. His decision to plead not guilty sets the stage for what could be a complex trial involving accident reconstruction evidence, testimony about the disabled safety systems, and expert analysis of the excessive speed that prosecutors say caused the fatal crash.