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Krystyna Naprawa, posthumously promoted to the rank of “community coordinator” in the NYPD, tragically died on October 20, 2023, while performing her duties as a school crossing guard in Queens. Ms. Naprawa was fatally struck by a truck driven by Hector Yepes. According to Queens Criminal Court records, on July 29 of this year, Yepes was sentenced to 30 days in jail.
As Radio RAMPA has learned, Yepes is currently being held at Rikers Island and, according to the New York City Department of Correction registry, could be released as early as August 16.
“Thirty days in jail is a slap on the wrist for taking someone’s life. We need stricter penalties,” stated the victim’s daughter, Barbara Naprawa, in a statement to Radio RAMPA. “She [Krystyna Naprawa] was killed by someone who did drugs the night before, was on their cellphone texting while driving, disregarding traffic rules, rolling through a red light and someone who then didn’t even have the decency to call 911,” alleges the victim’s daughter.
“The world lost an angel, and I lost my mom who was a loving beautiful person. She loved serving the children of her community, serving the city, and serving her country. She greeted everyone with a warm smile, cared deeply for the children she protected, and loved helping the people of the community. She was working to protect others. Unfortunately, the law didn’t protect her,” the daughter added.
Radio RAMPA reported on the incident in October 2023. The crash occurred at the intersection of Woodhaven Boulevard and Atlantic Avenue in Queens. At the time, police stated that Mrs. Naprawa was in the crosswalk performing her duties when she was struck by the truck driven by Yepes, who was making a right turn onto Atlantic Avenue. He remained at the scene.
Court records show that now 42-year-old Hector Yepes was arrested on October 20, 2023, by officers from the NYPD’s 102nd Precinct in Queens. He was charged with failure to yield the right of way. He pleaded not guilty. The case proceeded to a jury trial, where he was found guilty. The sentence included 30 days of incarceration and fines.
The case was prosecuted by the Queens District Attorney’s Office. In an emailed statement to Radio RAMPA, DA’s Office spokesperson Brendan Brosh said: ““Defendant Hector Yepes was convicted after a jury trial and Judge Lentz sentenced the defendant to the maximum incarceration time on the charge, which is 30 days in jail. We continue to express our condolences to the family members, friends, and coworkers of Krystana Naprawa.”
Radio RAMPA reached out to New York City Mayor Eric Adams and NYPD officials for comment. No response was received as of publication time of this article.
On February 22, 2024, Ms. Naprawa was posthumously promoted to “community coordinator” during a ceremony at NYPD headquarters, attended by her daughter, son, other family members, NYPD leadership, and a group of school crossing guards.
Her death led to changes in the working conditions of school crossing guards in New York City—new tools and enhanced safety measures were introduced for those in the role, including longer training and new, highly visible reflective elements on uniforms.
Monika Adamski
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