Malden couple sentenced to charges related to fatal hit-and-run in Saugerties

KINGSTON, N.Y. (NEWS10)-- A Malden couple have been sentenced for charges in connection to a fatal hit-and-run from January 2024 that killed a 21-year-old female. Ryan Maxwell, 43, and Lacy Maxwell, 43, were sentenced to probation and prison, respectively.

On January 10, 2024, 21-year-old Starllie Swonyoung, of Saugerties, was walking on Route 9W with a friend around 5:10 p.m. when she was struck by a 2021 Subaru driven by Lacy Maxwell, who then fled the scene. According to police, Lacy received help from her husband, Ryan, to stage an accident to account for the damage to the car and submitted a claim to their insurance.

The Maxwells pleaded guilty to the crash in August. According to police, Lacy pleaded guilty to leaving the scene of an incident resulting in death and third-degree insurance fraud while her husband Ryan pleaded guilty to fifth-degree insurance fraud.

On Friday, Ryan was sentenced to three years of probation. In December, Lacy was sentenced to two years and four months up to seven years in prison.

Lacy Maxwell was represented by Kingston attorney Tom Melanson and Ryan Maxwell was represented by Mikael Cohn. Deputy Chief Assistant District Attorney Paul Derohannesian prosecuted the case.

"Now that the final sentencing surrounding the terrible and needless loss of Starllie Swonyoung has come to a close, hopefully her family and friends can begin the healing process," Saugerties Police Chief KJ Swart said. "Cases such as this demonstrate the corroborative investigative efforts of the public with Ulster County’s law enforcement agencies. It is with their tireless efforts we were able to successfully conclude the investigation arresting those responsible for her death, and the attempted coverup."