Staten Island, N.Y. – Nearly four years after a devastating hit-and-run crash claimed the lives of a Staten Island couple, Prince Nesbitt-Hall, a New Jersey resident, has been indicted on 39 charges, including second-degree murder.
Nesbitt-Hall, 22, of Rahway, was arraigned on Thursday and ordered to remain in custody by Judge Alexander Jeong. Before his indictment, he had been serving time in a New Jersey prison on unrelated charges.
Deadly 2021 Collision
On the night of February 16, 2021, Nesbitt-Hall, then 18 and without a valid driver’s license, was allegedly behind the wheel of a stolen 2020 Honda Accord. According to prosecutors, he was speeding northbound on Elson Street in Graniteville when he ran a stop sign at Lamberts Lane, showing a “depraved indifference to human life.”
His vehicle crashed into a 2013 Mercedes-Benz, fatally injuring its occupants. Kauser Akhund, 68, died shortly after the crash at Richmond University Medical Center, while her husband, Shahzad Akhund, 70, succumbed to his injuries later.
After the crash, Nesbitt-Hall allegedly fled the scene on foot and later walked into the 121st Precinct stationhouse, falsely claiming he was the victim of a theft. Investigators quickly identified him as the suspect, but he fled the precinct before being apprehended.
Delayed Justice
Initially, Nesbitt-Hall faced lesser charges, including manslaughter, assault, leaving the scene of an accident, and possession of stolen property. However, prosecutors did not immediately pursue charges for the deaths of the Akhunds.
Years later, authorities have now secured an extensive indictment against him. Alongside two counts of second-degree murder, he faces charges of manslaughter, first- and second-degree assault, reckless driving, reckless endangerment, and leaving the scene of an accident. Some charges also stem from alleged thefts at a Staten Island Planet Fitness.
District Attorney Michael E. McMahon emphasized his commitment to justice for the victims, stating, “We are continuing to thoroughly review all evidence in this case.”
Nesbitt-Hall’s next court appearance is scheduled for April 15.
