Jason Clotter Fled New York Following 2020 Collision 

Manhattan District Attorney Alvin L. Bragg, Jr., today announced the guilty plea of JASON CLOTTER, 34, for a fatal hit and run car crash that killed one and severely injured two others. CLOTTER fled New York State following the 2020 collision, and was extradited from Knoxville, Tennessee last year. CLOTTER pleaded guilty to one count of Manslaughter in the Second Degree; one count of Assault in the Second Degree; and one count of Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting. He is expected to be sentenced on November 30 to an aggregate of 7-12 years in state prison. 

“Today’s guilty plea ensures there will be significant accountability for this fatal hit and run. Reckless driving continues to be a scourge on our streets, and far too many families like Ms. Gray’s are mourning the loss of loved ones who have been killed by dangerous drivers. We will continue to treat traffic violence with the seriousness it requires,” said District Attorney Bragg. 

As admitted in the defendant’s guilty plea, on February 17, 2020, CLOTTER was driving north on Park Avenue traveling at double the legal speed limit. He ran through two red lights at the intersections of East 128th and 129th Streets, where he collided into a livery vehicle. The impact of the collision caused the livery vehicle to careen into the parking area underneath the elevated train tracks that run through the middle of Park Avenue. 

The crash severely injured Deborah Yvonne Gray, who was reached by first responders using the “Jaws of Life” tool, which is used to cut through cars when they are significantly damaged. Ms. Gray died six weeks later from her injuries. The livery driver also sustained serious injuries. Immediately following the crash, CLOTTER climbed through his sunroof and left the scene with his passenger who had sustained serious injuries. He then fled New York within days of the incident and eventually ended up in Tennessee. 

The case is being prosecuted by Assistant D.A. Randolph Clarke Jr., under the supervision of Robert Ferrari (Chief of Trial Bureau 40) and Lisa DelPizzo (Chief of the Trial Division). Senior Rackets Investigators Donjya Bardliving, Richard Ramos, Steven Lane and Jose Vasquez; Digital Evidence Analyst Taylor Strickland; Investigative Analyst Abigail Hartz, Trial Preparation Assistant Pierce Bivens, and former Trial Preparation Assistants William Fazzone; and Natale Scotto have assisted with the case. 

D.A. Bragg thanked the NYPD Highway Collision Investigation Squad, Detective Karl Zarek, NYPD Warrant Section, Detective Munir Alhidami, Knox County Sheriff’s Department and the Knox County District Attorney General’s Office.

Defendant Information: 

JASON CLOTTER

Knoxville, Tennessee 

Convicted: 

• Manslaughter in the Second Degree, a class C felony, one count, 4-12 years in state prison 
• Assault in the Second Degree, a class D felony, one count, seven years in state prison 
• Leaving the Scene of an Incident Without Reporting – Death, a class D felony, one count, 2 1/3 – 7 years in state prison 

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