An East New York man was sentenced on February 13, 2026, to up to nine years in prison for causing a fatal crash in Downtown Brooklyn. The crash, which occurred on August 18, 2023, resulted in the death of a 21-year-traditional woman and injuries to three others.
Reckless Driving Led to Fatal Consequences
According to Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez, the defendant, Kashawn Croswell, 28, drove at speeds exceeding 60 miles per hour and ran three red lights – at Schermerhorn Street, State Street, and Atlantic Avenue – before colliding with another vehicle. The impact occurred at Court Street and Atlantic Avenue, where Croswell’s vehicle struck a westbound car with the right of way at 62 miles per hour.
Shanti Joyner, 21, a passenger in the vehicle struck by Croswell, died from multiple blunt impact injuries at the scene. Joyner’s 32-year-old sister, the driver of the vehicle, sustained an ankle fracture, and a 29-year-old rear passenger suffered a wrist fracture.
Croswell was convicted on January 22, 2026, of second-degree manslaughter, two counts of second-degree assault, reckless driving, excessive speed, and disobeying traffic control signal indications following a jury trial. He was sentenced by Brooklyn Supreme Court Justice Jane Tully to an indeterminate term of three to nine years in prison.
Following the crash, Croswell’s vehicle caught fire. His girlfriend sustained a spinal fracture and was transported to an area hospital. Bystanders called 911, and police apprehended Croswell near the scene after he was denied entry into a resident’s home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What charges was Kashawn Croswell convicted of?
Kashawn Croswell was convicted of second-degree manslaughter, two counts of second-degree assault, reckless driving, excessive speed, and disobeying traffic control signal indications.
How fast was the defendant driving before the crash?
The defendant was driving at 60 miles per hour on Court Street and reached 62 miles per hour immediately before the collision.
What happened to the defendant’s girlfriend?
The defendant’s 24-year-old girlfriend suffered a spinal fracture in the crash and was transported to an area hospital. She was also dragged for a block and a half while the defendant attempted to flee the scene.
What role does accountability play in preventing future tragedies like this one?
