Man accused of beating driver to death on Long Island pleads guilty: DA

BALDWIN, N.Y. (PIX11) — A Queens man accused of beating a driver to death after they were both involved in a car crash on Long Island in April 2023 has pled guilty to murder, the Nassau County District Attorney announced on Tuesday.

The collision happened in Baldwin near Shuman Place and Forest Avenue at around 11:02 p.m. Saturday, according to the DA.

The victim, David McKenzie, 54, collided with a vehicle driven by Patrick Destine, officials said.

There were two passengers in Destine’s vehicle, including co-defendant Aisha Pitt, according to prosecutors.

McKenzie began to walk away from the crash site when Destine pursued him, officials said. Destine repeatedly kicked and stomped on the victim’s head, officials said.

Police found McKenzie bleeding from the head. McKenzie was taken to Mount Sinai South Nassau Hospital and pronounced deceased at around 12:06 a.m. on April 16, 2023, police said.

Destine was charged with murder in the second degree, criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree, and two counts of operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol. He faces 18 years to life in prison. Sentencing is scheduled for July 9, 2024.

Pitt was present during the attack and was found with the victim’s credit cards, police said. Pitt was sentenced to six months in jail after pleading guilty to criminal possession of stolen property in the fourth degree on June 28, 2023.

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here .

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.