NYC Hit-and-Run Driver Who Killed Gospel Drummer Finally Arrested
🤖 AI Generated ImageA hit-and-run driver who fatally struck a New York City gospel drummer in February has finally surrendered to police. Gregory Ventura, 35, turned himself in Monday morning with a lawyer at a Downtown Brooklyn precinct.
He is charged with criminally negligent homicide in the death of Joshua Germain, 31. The charge comes more than four months after the fatal crash.
The February crash
The crash happened around 12:15 a.m. on Feb. 15. Germain was crossing Vandervoort Avenue at Maspeth Avenue in East Williamsburg.
Ventura was driving a Nissan Murano when he struck Germain and drove off, police said. According to the New York Post, Ventura surrendered around 8:40 a.m. Monday.
Germain was rushed to Elmhurst Hospital Center with grave injuries. He died five days later on Feb. 20 — which was his father's birthday.
A father and musician remembered
Germain was a 31-year-old gospel drummer and father of a 4-year-old boy. His father, Jean Germain, told The Post his son never missed a school event.
"He made sure that he was at every game, every school event," Jean said. A week before his death, Germain attended a party at his son's school.
Tomorrow is his son's graduation, his father noted Monday. 📰 Related: 12 Shot After SUV Opens Fire on Crowd in Chicago
In high school, Germain won an award at McDonald's Gospelfest for his percussion performance. He also mentored younger kids, his father said.
"When he was in high school, he used to work with children and young kids," Jean said. Many of those children, now grown, attended his funeral.
As an adult, Germain worked a "nice union job" and was known for helping neighbors. "He was helping everybody on the street, everybody that he loves," his father said.
"My son is very, very fun to be around – always smiling, always, always smiling." He was always ready to help friends and elderly neighbors, Jean added.
Months-long search ends
Police had searched for the driver for more than four months. Ventura had no previous arrests, authorities said.
He faces additional charges including leaving the scene of an accident causing death. He is also charged with reckless driving and moving unsafely from a lane.
Prosecutors requested supervised release because he surrendered voluntarily. Justice Danny Chun granted that request in Brooklyn Supreme Court Monday.
Ventura will return to court on Aug. 18, the Brooklyn DA's office said. 📰 Related: 1 Dead, 11 Injured in Midland Texas Workplace Shooting
Family finds some solace
Jean Germain said the arrest brought him a measure of peace. Asked if it helped, he replied simply, "Yes … yes."
"To me, it's a big loss," he added. Since his son's death, Jean has taken his grandson traveling.
"After his father passed away, I sent him on a cruise," he said. The 4-year-old has already visited Playa del Carmen and Aruba.
"My grandson, already four years old, has six stamps on his passport." Community members who Germain helped have supported the family, his father said.
"People calling me, talking to me, supporting me, that's all I need from people." 📰 Related: Pentagon Locked Down — Hazmat Teams Respond to Alert
Key Takeaways
- Gregory Ventura, 35, surrendered June 22 for Feb. 15 fatal hit-and-run
- Victim Joshua Germain, 31, was a gospel drummer and father of a 4-year-old
- Crash occurred at Vandervoort and Maspeth in East Williamsburg around 12:15 a.m.
- Germain died Feb. 20 at Elmhurst Hospital, five days after being struck
- Ventura charged with criminally negligent homicide, leaving scene, reckless driving
- Granted supervised release after voluntary surrender, next court date Aug. 18
Sources
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Rachel Hayes reports on international affairs, geopolitics, and breaking world news. Based in London, she covers stories shaping the UK and global political landscape.
