Island Park man convicted for 2015 crash that killed Lynbrook couple

An Island Park man was convicted Thursday morning for being under the influence of drugs during a January 2015 high-speed crash that killed a Lynbrook couple parked at a traffic light on Sunrise Highway.

A jury found John Aniano, 27, guilty of all counts, including aggravated vehicular homicide, first-degree vehicular manslaughter, second-degree manslaughter and vehicular manslaughter and operating a vehicle while under the influence of drugs, all felony charges. He was also found guilty of reckless driving, a misdemeanor.

On Jan. 12, 2015, at 8:13 p.m., Aniano was driving his 2004 Mercedes Benz westbound on Sunrise Highway in Lynbrook at more than 100 miles per hour in a 30 miles per hour zone, according to Singas. As the defendant approached Denton Avenue, he drove around traffic, onto a shoulder, and through a red light.

Aniano then accelerated westbound, Singas said, and ultimately crashed into the back of a 2005 Toyota Avalon stopped at a red light at Forest Avenue. The car was propelled more than 250 feet into the eastbound lanes, where it struck another vehicle. Toyota driver John Jones, 54, and passenger Sharon Long, 53, were both killed in the accident. Aniano, who suffered non-life threatening injuries, was observed by police as being under the influence of drugs, was arrested at the scene by Lynbrook police.

“John Jones and Sharon Long were random, innocent victims of a driver who had no regard for anyone’s life on busy Sunrise Highway,” Singas said in a statement. “Drivers who travel at grossly excessive speeds through red traffic lights or while they are impaired will be prosecuted to the full extent of the law. The citizens of Nassau County should not have to fear for their lives on our roads.”

Aniano is due back in court on Jan. 25 before Supreme Court Justice Meryl Berkowitz, and faces eight to 25 years in prison. Joseph LoPiccolo, Aniano’s attorney, did not immediately respond to the Herald’s request for comment.