A civil settlement has been reached in a fatal November hit-and-run car accident, according to papers filed recently in court.
Cassandra Boone was killed Nov. 16 as she crossed Erie Boulevard at State Street. Charged in her death is 34-year-old Anthony J. Gallo, who, authorities say, ran a red light that night while under the influence of drugs, killing Boone.
The settlement is for the extent of the available insurance: $50,000. The paperwork was filed earlier this month on behalf of Boone’s estate.
Gallo is also accused of fleeing the scene. He was located and arrested the next day and now faces multiple felonies, including aggravated vehicular homicide.
Gallo had no insurance himself, or even a valid license, authorities said. At the time of the accident, Gallo had 10 suspensions on his driving record, police said. The state Department of Motor Vehicles’ public record for him includes suspensions from Rotterdam, Niskayuna, Albany and Greenwich for either failing to answer a summons or failing to pay fines.
The car was registered to Tanya Roberts, according to the civil filing. Roberts’ age and address were not available.
It was through Roberts’ ownership of the car and her insurance that attorneys for the estate located the only available coverage, said attorney Daniel Dagostino.
The medical bills incurred that night were covered by no-fault insurance, Dagostino said. The family is also working with the state Office of Victim Services on any assistance available there. Dagostino was unsure how the settlement would affect the crime victims’ assistance.
Handling Boone’s estate is her mother, Pamela Bolden. Dagostino said he has spoken with Bolden frequently since the accident.
“She’s taking it day by day,” Dagostino said. “Every day, obviously, for her is a struggle.”
Boone was described as a woman with a kind heart, someone who devoted her time to classes at Schenectady County Community College and volunteered at a local nursery school. She also had dreams of owning her own day care center.
The proposed settlement now goes before a state Supreme Court justice in Schenectady County for approval.
Gallo faces counts of aggravated vehicular homicide, first-degree vehicular manslaughter and first-degree aggravated unlicensed operation, all felonies, as well as misdemeanor driving while ability impaired by drugs. He also faces one count of second-degree manslaughter and leaving the scene of a fatal accident without reporting, both felonies.
Gallo is represented by attorney Paul Callahan. Callahan earlier successfully argued for several of the charges to be dismissed based on lack of evidence. Prosecutors, however, resubmitted the case to a grand jury, resulting in all the charges being restored.
Callahan confirmed Thursday he intends to file similar motions on the new indictment. Prosecutors have said they believe the new indictment will withstand judicial scrutiny.
Gallo remains held in the Schenectady County jail without bail.
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