Chinatown Hit-and-Run Investigation
A 23-year-old woman, who is facing charges for a hit-and-run incident that resulted in two fatalities in Chinatown, had previously been charged in a separate crash just three months ago. Records indicate she was released without bail after that earlier incident.
The suspect, identified as Donna Asensio Romero, allegedly fled the scene following an accident in Brooklyn on April 13, during which she was driving without a valid license.
Witnesses helped police identify Romero shortly after the Brooklyn crash, which took place the day after her earlier arrest. Court records indicate that, due to bail reform laws, she was released shortly after the arrest.
On Saturday morning, around 7:30 a.m., Romero was reportedly driving a stolen blue Chevrolet Malibu while under the influence of alcohol. Officers stated that her vehicle struck a man and a 63-year-old woman seated on benches at the intersection of Bowery and Canal Streets, resulting in both deaths before the car collided with a police van.
Both Romero and her accomplice, 22-year-old Kennedy LaCraft, attempted to escape but were apprehended nearby, according to police reports.
LaCraft is facing charges that include criminal possession of weapons and possession of stolen property, as well as misuse of a motor vehicle.
As for Romero, the charges against her remain pending. Sources revealed that the prior incident involved a crash on April 14, for which she was released on August 5.
The vehicle involved in the Saturday incident had reportedly been rented but not returned. Authorities stated that it was filled with “liquor and drugs,” including various types of tablets, marijuana, and bottles of alcohol.
The identity of the man killed while riding his bicycle has not yet been disclosed. However, the other victim was identified as Mary Kwok, who was sitting on a bench at the time of the accident.
Her brother, Peter Kwok, shared that his sister frequently visited that area, noting, “That’s her hangout. She’s going to a church in Chinatown.”
He mentioned that she had faced mental health challenges in recent years, which sometimes caused her to leave home unexpectedly.
Peter reflected on the unpredictability of the situation, saying, “You know, anything can happen in town.”
