New York Attorney General Letitia James today announced the indictment, arrest, and arraignment of Tiffany Howell, 47, of Warwick, Orange County, on the charges of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide (a class B Felony), Manslaughter in the Second Degree (a class C Felony), Vehicular Manslaughter in the First Degree (a class C Felony), and two counts of Vehicular Manslaughter in the Second Degree (a class D Felony). The indictment alleges that on January 22, 2026, Sergeant Howell drove her personal vehicle while intoxicated and in a manner that caused the death of Manuel Boitel. Sergeant Howell was off-duty at the time.
Howell was arraigned today by Judge George Fufidio at Westchester County Court. Judge Fufidio set bail at a $250,000 bond, or a $500,000 partially secured bond, with a $100,000 cash alternative. Sergeant Howell is due back in court on March 18 before Judge Anne B. Bianchi. The maximum sentence on the top count is eight and one-third to 25 years in prison.
Attorney General James alleges that at 11:37 p.m. on January 22, in Westchester County, Sergeant Howell was driving south in the northbound lanes of the Taconic State Parkway at more than 50 mph when she crashed head-on into the car driven by Mr. Boitel, causing his death. Attorney General James alleges that Sergeant Howell was intoxicated at the time. Mr. Boitel was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after midnight…