Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Teen Driver Who Killed 4-Year-Old Bragged About Speeding On Facebook
By
Christopher Robbins
Published May 29, 2014
Modified May 29, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Christopher Robbins
Published May 29, 2014
Modified May 29, 2014
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
The unlicensed 17-year-old driver who fatally struck 4-year-old Ariel Russo on the Upper West Side last June liked to brag about his proclivity to speed. The Times reports that Franklin Reyes told friends on Facebook and in text messages that he could cut a four-hour drive in half by traveling 90 mph.
Reyes appeared in court yesterday while a judge determines whether or not to tried as a youthful offender or as an adult. Assistant DA Vera Varshavsky argued that Reyes ignored warnings to be more careful, and relished driving recklessly. "He has done this before," she told the judge.
Police say they pulled over Reyes for making a dangerous turn at West 89th Street early on the morning of June 5th, and he sped off, forcing officers to give chase. Reyes turned onto Amsterdam Avenue and jumped the curb near 97th Street, striking Russo and her grandmother, who was walking her granddaughter to preschool. Russo's family is currently suing the City for $40 million, claiming that EMS was delayed by a faulty 911 system and that the police shouldn't have chased him in the first place.
Reyes' attorney, Martin Schmukler, has blamed Russo's death on a pothole or an open manhole, stating that a deployed airbag sent his client careening onto the sidewalk: “You can see a whole series of holes. If the vehicle hit a pothole that would explain how it went out of control.”
Reyes only had a learner's permit at the time of the fatal crash. Schmukler told the judge yesterday that Reyes' statements on social media had no bearing on the case. “What do you think Facebook is between kids? It’s just childish gossip. Why that should determine the outcome of a criminal case is beyond me.”
The judge will recommend a plea deal on June 25th. If Reyes doesn't accept, his case will go to trial.
Tagged
ariel russo
cis
franklin reyes
pedestrian safety
speeding
Upper West Side
vision zero
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NY Archdiocese will soon settle $800M clergy sexual abuse claims
The deal would compensate over 1,300 alleged victims and help the church avoid bankruptcy.
By
Arya Sundaram
Published Oct 24, 2026
Chinatown residents file lawsuit against after-hours construction on new 'mega jail'
Residents cite sleep disruption and dust-induced illness from nearly ‘round the clock’ construction.
By
Arya Sundaram
News
Chinatown residents file lawsuit against after-hours construction on new 'mega jail'
Residents cite sleep disruption and dust-induced illness from nearly ‘round the clock’ construction.
By
Arya Sundaram
Peepapalooza: NYC is heading to the Hudson Valley to watch the leaves
By
Elizabeth Shwe
and
Sean Carlson
NYPD: Officer shot, injured knife-wielding woman during ‘chaotic’ night at Queens home
By
Ryan Kost
3 slates vying to run Jersey City school board as city stares down major tax hikes
By
Michael Sol Warren
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .