By Marley Seaman
Elizabeth Demaio, 38, was attempting to make a left turn into a Dunkin' Donuts when her 1996 Honda Accord was struck by two other westbound cars.
"Joseph Thompson['s car] struck Demaio's vehicle in the rear, causing her to spin," said Nassau County Police Officer Michael Bitsko. "The car ignited upon impact. ... Demaio's car was engulfed in flames."
Demaio was pronounced dead at the scene. A coroner's investigation will determine whether she was killed by the fire or injuries caused by the impact of one of the cars.
Moments after Thompson's Mazda struck Demaio's car and went off the road, Demaio's car was hit by a 2005 Toyota Camry driven by Michael Vines of Jamaica. According to police, Vines, 26, also hit another car, and then fled the scene.
Vines was arrested when he returned to the scene about an hour later, claiming to be disoriented. His car was recovered about three blocks away from the scene of the accident. Vines was charged with leaving the scene of an accident with death, a Class D felony, and arraigned on Monday.
Because of a recent change in the law, leaving the scene of an accident is punishable by up to seven years in jail. Previously, the crime was a Class E felony, which carries a maximum jail term of four years.
Vines's bail was set at $50,000 by Judge Alfred Cooper, with bond at $10,000 cash. The district attorney's office had asked for $100,000 bail. Vines is due back in court in Mineola on August 3.
Thompson, 24, is a Virginia resident and a member of the U.S. Navy. He has not been charged with a crime. Police say he attempted to summon help after the crash, and that their investigation into the accident is continuing.
Demaio's family could not be reached for comment.
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