Editor's note: The story in the video player aired on June 28, 2024.
SUNNYSIDE, Queens (PIX11) – A delivery truck driver who allegedly hit and killed a 16-year-old girl walking with her younger sister in Queens last month has now been charged, authorities said Tuesday.
Boubacar Barry, 28, of Manhattan, has been charged with criminally negligent homicide in connection with the death of 16-year-old Jael Zhinin in Sunnyside on June 26, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office.
Barry’s water delivery truck hit Zhinin as she was walking across 46th Street with her 8-year-old sister, who was also seriously injured, authorities said.
Barry was driving westbound on 47th Avenue when he made a left turn onto 46th Street and allegedly failed to yield and hit the two girls who had a walk signal in the crosswalk, according to the Queens District Attorney’s Office.
Barry was also charged with leaving the scene of an incident without reporting, failure to yield the right of way when making a left turn, and failure to exercise due care, among other charges, authorities said. He faces up to seven years in prison if convicted.
“It is imperative that pedestrians be able to cross our streets safely and it is incumbent upon every driver to make sure the crosswalk is clear before turning,” Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz said in a statement.
The collision happened near I.S. 125 Thomas J. McCann as the sisters were walking home from the last day of school. The 8-year-old girl is still receiving ongoing care, authorities said.
A GoFundMe page was created in June to support the family of the two girls.
“No parent should ever have to endure the loss of a child and our thoughts are with the family of these young sisters,” Katz said.
Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than five years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.
