WCDO Radio News

State Police arrested 19-year-old James Crosby of Van Etten, in connection with a double fatal car accident on December 31st in the town of Newfield. Crosby was charged with 2 counts of 2nd degree manslaughter, plus 1 count each for 2nd & 3rd degree assault, reckless endangerment & reckless driving as well as several other vehicle & traffic law violations. Killed in the crash were the driver of the other vehicle Samantha Aarnio, and 20-year-old Derek Nichols, who was a passenger in the Crosby vehicle. Crosby was arraigned and was released under the Supervision of Probation, he will appear in Tompkins County Court on February 27th.

State Police investigated a two car double fatal head-on collision in the Town of Newfield.  The investigation revealed that 19-year-old James Crosby of Van Etten lost control of his Chevy Monte Carlo and entered the opposing lane, striking a Jeep Grand Cherokee being operated by 31-year-old Samantha Aarnio of Spencer.  Crosby was transported to Packer Hospital, his passenger, 20 year old Derek Nichols was pronounced deceased at the scene.  Aarnio was transported to Packer Hospital for multiple injuries, one of her passengers; 67-year-old Kathy Lattimore was taken to Cortland Medical Center where she was pronounced deceased, and 32 year old Eugene Aarnio was transported to Packer Hospital for an arm injury.  The investigation into the collision is continuing.