Acting Erie County District Attorney Michael J. Keane announces that 24-year-old Alondra L. Ramirez-Santiago of Cheektowaga pleaded guilty this morning before State Supreme Court Justice Paul B. Wojtaszek to one count of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (Class “B” felony) and one count of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree (Class “D” felony). The defendant pleaded guilty to all counts in the indictment.
On Monday, February 26, 2024, at approximately 9:00 p.m., police responded to a two-vehicle collision on the 6300 block of Transit Road between Cloverleaf Drive and Rehm Road in the Town of Cheektowaga. The defendant was driving southbound on Transit Road when she caused a crash with another vehicle. The defendant, who was under the influence of alcohol, was recklessly operating a vehicle at a high-rate of speed without the headlights illuminated when the collision occurred.
The driver and the passenger of the other vehicle were taken by ambulance to ECMC. The driver, 51-year-old Jennifer Hylkema of Lockport, died at the hospital. The passenger, the victim’s son, was treated and released from the hospital. The defendant was also taken by ambulance to ECMC where she was treated for injuries.
Ramirez-Santiago faces a maximum of 25 years in prison when she is sentenced on Monday, September 23, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. Prosecutors requested that the defendant be remanded pending sentence. She remains released on bail previously set at $75,000 cash or $100,000 bond.
Acting DA Keane commends the Cheektowaga Police Department Accident Investigation Unit and the Lancaster Police Department for their work in this investigation.
The case was prosecuted by Assistant District Attorney Christine O. Murray of the Vehicular Crimes Bureau.