HEMPSTEAD, NY — New York State Police have charged a woman with vehicular homicide following a multi-vehicle crash that left two people dead on the Southern State Parkway.
Diana Kutateladze, 36, of Oceanside, was arrested after the March 15, 2026 collision that occurred at approximately 10:13 p.m. on the westbound Southern State Parkway, west of exit 17S.
Police said Kutateladze was driving a 2020 black Cadillac Escalade westbound when her vehicle sideswiped a gray BMW traveling in the left lane.
Kutateladze lost control of the vehicle, crossed the center median and continued traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes, striking multiple vehicles, according to police.
The Escalade then struck a 2016 black Toyota Highlander head-on.
Two passengers in the Toyota Highlander, Donald Maxwell, 82, and Liscent B. Maxwell, 88, were pronounced dead at the scene.
A total of six vehicles and 10 drivers and occupants were involved in the collision.
Several other drivers and occupants were transported to local hospitals, with one individual sustaining critical injuries and the remaining injuries considered non-life threatening.
Preliminary investigations indicated speed and impairment were contributing factors.
Kutateladze was charged with aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular manslaughter in the first degree, vehicular manslaughter in the second degree, assault in the second degree, driving while intoxicated and reckless driving.
Anyone who witnessed the incident or has video footage is asked to contact Investigator Jeffrey Shillingford at 212-814-9597.
