Fifteen-year-old Liel Namdar was tragically killed and several others injured in a horrific car accident on Peninsula Boulevard in Woodmere on December 11, 2021. The crash was caused by a drunk driver who was speeding at the time.
On Wednesday, August 21st, Arlin Aguilera, 37, of West Hempstead, was convicted of aggravated vehicular homicide and other charges for his role in the fatal collision. According to prosecutors, Aguilera was driving his 2014 RAM 1500 pickup truck northbound on Peninsula Boulevard when he crashed into an Audi Q5 that was making a turn from Edward Avenue.
“Fifteen-year-old Liel Namdar was a typical teenager, enjoying a long-awaited reunion with her friends from summer camp on that December night,” said Nassau County DA Anne Donnelly.
“The girls had planned a sleepover and were being driven to one of their homes to continue the fun when they were broadsided by a drunk and speeding Arlin Aguilera.”
Namdar, who was a passenger in the Audi, suffered severe head trauma and died at the scene. The driver of the Audi was seriously injured, sustaining a traumatic brain injury, broken clavicle, and jaw fracture. Three other teenage passengers in the Audi also sustained injuries.
Aguilera was arrested and charged with driving while intoxicated and causing an accident resulting in death.
The death of Liel Namdar has sent shockwaves through the community. Liel was described as a bright and bubbly teenager who was loved by everyone who knew her. She was a member of the school’s track and field team and was looking forward to attending college.
Defendant Faces Up to 25 Years in Prison
Arlin Aguilera is scheduled to be sentenced on October 4, 2024. He faces up to 25 years in prison for his crimes. Donnelly pledged to continue prosecute drunk drivers and prevent DWIs.
“Every day we place our trust in our fellow drivers when we get behind the wheel of a car or clip our children into the backseat,” said Donnelly. “This defendant betrayed that trust with fatal and irreparable consequences.”
