A young woman was killed by an alleged drunk co-worker in a hit-and-run in New York, and authorities say she died after refusing to get into his car following a night of drinking.
Madison Faltisco, 22, and her co-worker, 23-year-old Joshua Schiano, were at The Gathering Lounge together Thursday night, according to CNY Central.
Madison reportedly refused to get into his vehicle because he was intoxicated, according to the Onondaga County District Attorney’s Office.
She was hit by a car allegedly driven by Schiano shortly before 11 p.m. as she walked home along Route 57 in the Syracuse suburb of Clay, CNYCentral reports.
My friend lost his 22 yr old sister to a drunk driver. They’re almost at they’re goal, if anyone can donate 🙏🏾 https://t.co/HgKeH8dmsl
— HERBRON JAMES (@breebxby) June 12, 2023
Schiano crashed his car in front of a Salvation Army thrift store two minutes later, causing it to burst into flames. His wrecked vehicle was located by police less than a mile from where Faltisco was hit.
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He was taken into police custody under suspicion of driving while intoxicated before being taken to a nearby hospital for evaluation. However, Schiano did not sustain any injuries, per Syracuse.com.
SUSPECT ARRESTED: This is 23-year-old Joshua Schiano of Salina ‼️
He was arraigned last night after allegedly drinking & driving when he hit and killed his friend, 22-year-old Madison Faltisco.
Schiano allegedly sped off and left Faltisco to die along Route 57. @NewsChannel9 pic.twitter.com/bUXWNA2qjX
— 𝐀𝐝𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡 (@AdrienneSmithTV) June 10, 2023
Madison Faltisco And Joshua Schiano Reportedly Worked At Nearby Restaurant Together
Meanwhile, deputies did not find Madison’s body until hours after the fatal hit-and-run at 5 a.m. Friday. A passerby had alerted authorities of an unconscious woman on the side of the road.
Madison was pronounced dead at the scene, according to authorities. The two were reportedly co-workers at a nearby restaurant called Smokey Bones, the outlet reports.
One of Madison’s friends and co-workers, Halana Sieber, told CNY Central that Madison had called her three times before her death.
However, Sieber, who had offered to give her and Schiano a ride earlier that night, says she didn’t answer them.
Madison Faltisco's family shared these photos with me earlier. Friends are visiting the memorial still set up at along Rt. 57.
A balloon hanging out there reads "we love you always Maddy."@CNYCentral pic.twitter.com/2MhQhv67rP
— Mary Kielar (@marykielarCNY) June 12, 2023
Authorities Are Analyzing Video Of The Fatal Crash, Driver Arraigned On Manslaughter Charges
Meanwhile, Onondaga County District Attorney Bill Fitzpatrick said officials were in the process of analyzing a video of the deadly crash, LocalSyr.com reports.
“When we do the analysis of the video … we want to establish exactly where she was walking and did Mr. Schiano change direction or did he just continuously drive in a straight line, did he inadvertently hit her or was it something more insidious,” Fitzpatrick told the outlet.
On Friday evening, Schiano was arraigned on charges of second-degree manslaughter, second-degree vehicular manslaughter. He was also charged with leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle accident.
Schiano’s blood alcohol level was not immediately revealed as of Wednesday (June 14).
Friends tell CNY Central that Madison had the “biggest heart” and that “she’d do anything for anyone.”
A GoFundMe for Madison has already raised $18,434 from a $25,000 goal. The funds are expected to cover funeral costs. Those interested in donating can do so here.
