Herkimer County
Victim Impact Panel
Questions & Answers Worksheet

1.

The Nassau County's District Attorney's Office charged and convicted Martin Heidgen with depraved indifference murder. In your opinion, is driving impaired (alcohol or under the influence of drugs) and killing another individual considered murder? Why or why not?

2.

Jennifer Flynn writes her feelings about what exactly happened the night of the crash that killed her daughter, Katie, and Stanley Rabinowitz, the limo driver, as well as the aftermath with her family and court proceedings. After reading her comments, how would you summarize this article to others who continue to drink/drug and drive? What is one message that you would provide to others to prevent these types of tragedies?

3.

Emily, Rachel and Katie were walking back to the Colgate University campus when they were offered a ride by Robert Koester in his Jeep. Seconds later the vehicle crashes into a tree killing four out of seven individuals inside the vehicle. Police suspect everyone involved might have been drinking. How does a tragedy like this affect others (family, friends, classmates, police, emergency personnel, fire department, community etc.)? What words of advice would you give to young adults about catching a ride with someone who is potentially impaired behind the wheel?

4.

Danielle was hit by a drunk driver as she crossed the street. Danielle survived with permanent brain damage and now needs 24-hour care. Danielle's mother says, "A drunk driver who kills or injures someone might spend time in jail, or even get off with probation or a Fine; but we, the victims, are sentenced to a lifetime of pain." How would this impact you personally if your family was placed in a similar situation?

5.

Mrs. Hume, Mrs. Lansing, and Mrs. Pallozzi were struck and killed by an individual who was driving impaired on prescription drugs. The driver never applied the brakes, and over a year later had no recollection of the crash. According to the article, what drugs was the driver taking? What are three ways we can educate others about impairment by drugs and then getting behind the wheel?

1.

Ashley Starkey, college friend, and Erik Poje, lifelong friend of Kevin King, both stated that fake IDs were used to obtain alcohol during the evening of the crash. What advice would you give to a young family member regarding fake ID’s? Why or why not should they have a fake ID?

2.

What were the details leading up to the crash—where had the young men been prior to driving back to campus? Where had the young women been prior to the crash?

3.

What happened to Kevin King, Katie Almeter, Emily Collins and Rachel Nargiso?

4.

According to the responding State Trooper he asks students when he does presentations regarding this crash “who hurt the worse in this crash?” What is his response? What was his advice to others?

1.

What age did Chris Devitt, convicted of Vehicular Manslaughter, start to drink? Since he was under the age of 21, how did obtain the alcohol?

2.

Chris Devitt claimed he had heard the message of “Don’t Drink and Drive” throughout high school. Yet, he admitted that his decision to drive while under influence was “selfish”, “untouchable”, and “indestructible”. What message would you recommend to stop impaired (whether by alcohol and/or drugs) persons from driving?

3.

Discuss the emotional effects on how Kevin King, Katie Almeter, Emily Collins and Rachel Nargiso’s parents found out that their child was involved in a drunk driving crash. And how they are coping with their loss?

4.

Chris Devitt and his friend Brian were drinking in a bar even though they were underage. Chris lost control of the car and crashed into a telephone pole. Brian died at the scene. Once Chris recovered from his coma, he was sentenced and jailed for Vehicular Manslaughter. How did this crash impact Chris’ family?

5.

How did Chris Devitt’s crash affect his friends? How about the police officer on the scene?

6.

Jason accepted a ride to his high school which ultimately cost him his life. He didn’t know the driver of that car. The driver was speeding and driving recklessly. What message would you tell your child, niece, nephew, etc. about accepting rides at the spur of the moment?

7.

Martin Heidgen has been given a second chance at the age of 20 because he was arrested for a driving drunk charge that was dismissed by the judge and only received a ticket for possession of alcohol as a minor. His friends warned him not to drink and drive a week before the crash that killed Katie Flynn and Stanley Rabinowitz. But he continued to drink and drive. Katie and Stanley did not receive a second chance. Maureen McCormick, Chief of Vehicular Crimes, Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, suggested that the message to young offenders or first-time offenders has to be sent loud and clear. “This is not a game. This is not a rite of passage. You have to be responsible for other people’s lives…This didn’t have to happen.” How does this impact your feelings about drinking and driving?

8.

What are the ripple effects of making poor choices? How can these crashes be avoided in the future?