Driver charged with murder after deadly Chinatown crash

The individual who was driving and accused of causing a fatal accident involving a cyclist and pedestrian in Chinatown last Saturday appeared in court for arraignment on Tuesday. Autumn Donna Ascencio Romero, aged 23, is facing various charges, including murder, aggravated vehicular homicide, manslaughter, possession of a weapon, possession of stolen property, and leaving the scene. Romero, who was denied bail, will remain in custody pending further legal proceedings. A grand jury is set to meet on Thursday. According to law enforcement, Romero was driving a blue Chevrolet Malibu over the Manhattan Bridge early Saturday morning when it collided with cyclist Kevin Scott Cruickshank, 55, and May Kwok, 63, resulting in their deaths. The vehicle also struck an empty NYPD van, flipped onto its side, and eventually returned to an upright position near Canal Street and Bowery. Prosecutors allege that Romero and her passenger, Kennedy LeCraft, emerged from the car with injuries and attempted to flee the scene before being apprehended while heading north on Broadway. Authorities discovered an open bottle of tequila in the passenger area and two 9mm pistols with ammunition in the car's trunk. It was revealed that the rented Malibu, overdue for return since June 29, was not returned as agreed. LeCraft, aged 22, is facing charges related to possession of a weapon and unauthorized use of a stolen vehicle.