Brooklyn Driver Sentenced to 3-9 Years After Tragic Crash

UPDATE: A Brooklyn wigmaker and social media influencer, Miriam Yarimi, has been sentenced to 3 to 9 years in state prison for a horrific crash that claimed the lives of a mother and her two young children. The sentencing occurred on Wednesday, following Yarimi’s guilty plea last month to three counts of reckless manslaughter related to the tragic incident that took place in March 2023.

The devastating accident unfolded in the Midwood neighborhood as Natasha Saada, age 34, was crossing Ocean Parkway with her children—Diana, 8, Deborah, 5, and Philip, 4—after attending Shabbat services. Witnesses report that Yarimi sped through a red light at nearly 70 mph (113 kph), striking the family with her luxury Audi sedan. The speed limit at the intersection is just 25 mph (40 kph), highlighting the reckless nature of her driving.

In a tearful courtroom appearance, Yarimi, 33, accepted full responsibility for her actions, stating, “I hope and pray that my guilty plea… will provide some degree of closure to the victims and their family members for all of the pain and suffering that my actions.” The court heard that Yarimi was driving on a suspended license and failed to brake prior to the collision, resulting in the car flipping and landing approximately 130 feet (40 meters) away.

Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez condemned Yarimi’s behavior, labeling her a “reckless driver who cared about only herself.” He emphasized the profound sorrow felt by the community, as the loss of the Saada family resonates deeply. “This defendant wiped away nearly an entire family,” Gonzalez stated.

The crash left Philip critically injured, a heartbreaking outcome that underscores the urgent need for road safety in urban areas. New York City Mayor Eric Adams described the incident as a “tragic accident of Shakespearean proportion,” expressing concern over the impact on the close-knit community. “A mother gone for a simple stroll on a sunny day was struck and killed,” Adams said.

As the city mourns the loss of Natasha and her children, the case raises critical questions about accountability and safety for pedestrians. Yarimi’s sentence, while significant, has sparked discussions about whether justice has truly been served for the victims and their surviving family members.

The next steps in this case will be closely monitored as the community seeks healing and justice for the victims. The emotional weight of this tragedy serves as a stark reminder of the responsibilities that come with driving, especially in bustling city environments.

This developing story continues to impact countless lives, as friends, family, and community members reflect on the devastating consequences of reckless driving. Further updates will follow as this story progresses.