The 17-year-old Queens driver who only had a learner's permit when he lost control of his car on the Southern State Parkway—killing his four friends on October 16—was charged with aggravated vehicular manslaughter, as well as second-degree vehicular manslaughter, operating a motor vehicle while on drugs, reckless driving, reckless endangerment and operating a motor vehicle without a license. However, Joseph Beer's lawyer said, "We intend to challenge every aspect of this case."
Prosecutors said that Beer was high on marijuana during the 3:45 a.m. crash and was traveling at 110 MPH. He was driving a new Subaru Impreza, a graduation gift from his parents, when he lost control near Exit 17, barreling into the woods and shearing the car in half. His friends Darian Ramnarine, 18, Christopher Khan, 18, Peter Kanhai, 18, and Neal Rajapa, 17 were all killed.
Drivers with learner's permits may not drive between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m., may not have more than one passenger, and may not drive without a licensed driver at least 21 years of age. Beer's parents, Patricia and Aaditia Beer, were also charged—for the unlicensed operation of a motor vehicle because, Newsday reports, "they knowingly allowed their son to drive without a license, only a learner's permit."
Beer pleaded not guilty, and while the Nassau County DA's office asked for $500,000 bail, Judge David Ayres ordered his bail to be $1 million, or $2 million bond. He faces up to 25 years in prison if convicted.
Last month, a friend of Beer's had said, "We are just looking out for him, making sure he is in a good place, he’s taking care of himself. Honestly, it is not his fault, we don’t know exactly what happened."
