2FAR ROCKAWAY, NY – A 29-year-old woman was sentenced to 18 years in prison for the 2022 hit-and-run that killed 59-year-old Milton Storch, who was sitting on his walker outside a deli when he was struck.

Prosecutors said the driver, Kiani Phoenix, accelerated her car toward another woman during an argument but instead hit Storch and then another pedestrian before fleeing.

Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced the sentence Friday, saying Phoenix’s actions showed “a deadly decision to get behind the wheel” and use her vehicle as a weapon.

Key Points

Kiani Phoenix, 29, pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter for the death of Milton Storch.

Phoenix struck Storch and another pedestrian during a 2022 hit-and-run after a dispute outside a deli.

She was sentenced to 18 years

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