A New York appellate court has reinstated an indictment against Ryan Stencel for criminally negligent homicide after a fatal vehicle accident in 2022. The decision, issued on July 24, 2026, by the Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York, reverses a lower court's ruling that had dismissed the indictment. This ruling is significant as it affects the prosecution's ability to hold Stencel accountable for the deaths of his two passengers.

The case stems from a tragic incident that took place on March 2, 2022, when Stencel lost control of his vehicle while driving on a snowy road in Lancaster, New York. His car crashed into a mailbox and a tree, resulting in a fire that claimed the lives of two passengers. The court's decision to reinstate the indictment means that Stencel will face charges of criminally negligent homicide, which could lead to serious legal consequences.

Background

Ryan Stencel was involved in a fatal car accident that left two passengers dead. The accident occurred late at night when Stencel was driving above the speed limit of 35 miles per hour. Witnesses reported seeing Stencel's vehicle speeding before the crash, and an accident reconstruction expert estimated that he was traveling at a minimum of 67-73 miles per hour at the time of the incident.

Following the accident, Stencel's blood was tested, revealing the presence of cannabinoids. This evidence became a focal point in the legal proceedings. The Erie County Court initially dismissed the indictment against Stencel, arguing that the grand jury proceedings were flawed due to the introduction of what it deemed irrelevant evidence regarding the cannabinoids.

The Ruling

The Appellate Division, led by Judge Curran, ruled that the lower court erred in dismissing the indictment. The court stated, "the grand jury proceedings were not rendered defective through prosecutorial misconduct." The judges unanimously agreed that the evidence presented to the grand jury was sufficient to support the charges against Stencel.

The court emphasized that the prosecutor's introduction of the cannabinoid evidence did not impair the integrity of the grand jury process. The ruling noted that there was no indication that the prosecutor acted with bias or intent to mislead the grand jury. The decision to reinstate the indictment allows the case to move forward in the legal system.

Impact

This ruling has significant implications for the prosecution of Stencel. By reinstating the indictment, the court ensures that the legal process can continue, allowing for a trial where the evidence will be presented and evaluated. The case highlights the complexities involved in determining culpability in fatal accidents, especially when drug use is a factor.

The decision also reinforces the standards for what constitutes prosecutorial misconduct in grand jury proceedings. The court clarified that mere errors in evidence presentation do not automatically warrant dismissal of an indictment. This sets a precedent for future cases where similar issues may arise, emphasizing the need for a high threshold of proof to demonstrate that a grand jury's integrity has been compromised.

What's Next

The reinstated indictment means that Stencel will face trial on the charges of criminally negligent homicide. The case may still be appealed, but for now, it will proceed in the Erie County Court for further legal proceedings. Details about any potential appeals or related cases were not available in the court filing.