by Brooklyn, New York – A deadly crash that shook Brooklyn’s Jewish community last March has taken another dramatic turn, as Miriam Yarimi, 33, the wigmaker responsible for the tragedy, received a reduced plea deal despite protests from prosecutors.
Guilty Plea and Sentencing Deal
Last month, Yarimi pleaded guilty to manslaughter in connection with the crash that claimed the lives of Natasha Saada and her daughters, Diana, 7, and Deborah, 5. The case involved her luxury Audi A4, which she recklessly drove down Ocean Parkway, ultimately colliding with an Uber before striking the mother and her children.
Judge Danny Chen approved a plea agreement that carries a sentence of 3-to-9 years, significantly lower than the 15-year maximum that Brooklyn prosecutors sought. Prosecutors plan to submit a detailed letter ahead of Yarimi’s Wednesday sentencing, outlining reasons they believe she should face a stiffer punishment.
Brooklyn District Attorney Eric Gonzalez condemned Yarimi’s actions:
“The lives of Natasha Saada and her young daughters were stolen by the callous choices of a chronically reckless driver on Ocean Parkway. Though the proposed sentence falls short of the maximum we sought, it will still send a clear message that reckless driving that ends in tragedy will be met with serious penalties.”
Details of the Crash
The horrific crash devastated south Brooklyn’s close-knit community. The collision left Saada’s 4-year-old son, Philip, grievously injured, while the family mourned the loss of their two young daughters. The incident also reignited concerns about the dangerous stretch of Ocean Parkway.
Authorities noted that Yarimi had been driving on a suspended license and had accumulated more than 93 traffic violations, including 20 speeding tickets, totaling over $10,000 in fines.
Erratic Behavior and Social Media Life
Following the crash, Yarimi reportedly made bizarre claims to first responders, stating she was “possessed” and “had the devil in me.” According to criminal complaints, she said,
“The devil’s in my eyes. I’m haunted inside. I didn’t kill anyone. I didn’t hurt anyone. Prove it. Show me proof.”
Friends of Yarimi revealed a pattern of erratic behavior beneath the glamorous social media persona she displayed, which featured luxury cars, high-end fashion, and vacation bikini posts. Raised in a religious Jewish household, she was described as “nerdy” in her upbringing but increasingly unpredictable in adulthood.
In 2023, Yarimi won $2 million in a lawsuit against the NYPD, claiming that she had been coerced into sex by a uniformed officer at age 14, according to court documents.
Community Impact and Ongoing Debate
The case has left Brooklyn residents and the wider public grappling with questions about reckless driving, public safety, and the justice system. While the plea deal is legally binding, many community members feel the sentence does not match the scale of the tragedy.
Join the Conversation: Do you think the plea deal for Miriam Yarimi is too lenient, or does it reflect the legal realities of the case? Comment below to share your thoughts on justice, road safety, and accountability in Brooklyn.
