In a press release this week, the law firm of Mainetti & Mainetti announced the filing a wrongful death suit in Ulster County Supreme Court on behalf of Emmallyca Swonyoung and the Estate of Starllie Swonyoung against Lacy Maxwell for causing the death of Starllie Swonyoung.
On January 10, Swonyoung and an unnamed friend were walking on Route 9W between Malden-on-Hudson and Saugerties at aapproximately 5:10 p.m. when Swonyoung was allegedly struck by a 2021 Subaru operated by Lacy Maxwell, who authorities claim then left the scene without checking on the welfare of the victim or reporting the incident to 911 or police. The next day, she and codefendant Ryan Maxwell allegedly staged an accident to cover up for the damage sustained to the vehicle from the hit-and-run, and then they allegedly submitted a claim to their insurance company. Ryan Maxwell was not named in the lawsuit.
The lawsuit seeks compensatory damages and punitive damages against Maxwell for allegedly fleeing the scene after knowingly striking and severely injuring Starlie Swonyoung, then subsequently choosing not to contact emergency medical service providers. The suit further alleges that “Maxwell’s deliberate failure to act delayed essential medical treatment which contributed to Swonyoung’s suffering and ultimately her death.”
“We understand there is no amount of compensation that will right this wrong, however the Swonyoung family feels the pain of their tragic loss every day and those responsible must pay,” reads the press release.
“Mainetti & Mainetti would like to acknowledge the exemplary work done by our local law enforcement on this investigation,” reads the press release. “We recognize the tremendous and collaborative efforts of the Town of Saugerties Police Department, New York State Police, Greene County Sheriff’s Office, the Ulster County District Attorney’s Office, as well as our first responders at Diaz Ambulance, Malden-West Camp Fire Department and the Saugerties Fire Department. Each agency has demonstrated the highest level of competence and professionalism in this investigation.”
During separate proceedings before Judge Bryan Rounds on Wednesday, March 6, Lacy Maxwell, 42, and Ryan Maxwell, 43, pleaded not guilty to all charges. Lacy Maxwell was charged with leaving the scene of a fatal accident, a felony; and both Lacy and Ryan Maxwell were charged with 3rd degree insurance fraud, staging a motor vehicle accident and tampering with physical evidence.
Lacy Maxwell was remanded to the Ulster County Jail on $100,000 cash bail, $200,000 property bond, and $300,000 partially secured bond. Ryan Maxwell’s charges are ineligible for cash bail and he was released on his own recognizance.
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