A New Jersey man was drunk-driving a Tesla at 156 mph — and recording a Snapchat video — when he slammed into the back of a 22-year-old woman’s car on the New York State Thruway, causing the vehicle to burst into flames and killing her, prosecutors said.
Vasu Laroiya, 24, a former Rutgers student, admitted to the reckless, deadly deeds this week, according to Albany County District Attorney P. David Soares.
Laroiya rear-ended a Honda Civic driven by Katie Fisher on May 28, 2022 — Memorial Day weekend — on I-87 in Colonie, outside Albany, around 10 p.m., the DA’s office said.
Fisher’s car struck a guardrail.
Fisher, of Saratoga County, was a junior at the University of Albany and “a shining bright light, with an unbelievable smile,” her heartbroken family said in her obituary.
She wanted to be a teacher.
Laroiya was indicted in July 2022 on charges of murder, manslaughter, reckless endangerment, driving while intoxicated and reckless driving, the DA’s office said.
24-year-old Vasu Laroiya faces up to 25 years in prison for his role in the deadly 2022 crash. Albany OFFICE OF THE DISTRICT ATTORNEY
Katie Fisher, 22, was killed in the crash and “was a shining bright light, with an unbelievable smile,” her family said. Armer Funeral HomeOn Tuesday, Laroiya pleaded guilty to one count of aggravated vehicular homicide, a Class B Felony, in Albany County Court.
He also admitted he had a previous alcohol-related conviction in New Jersey in 2019, the DA’s office said.
He faces up to 25 years in prison when he is sentenced Jan. 6.
