Slingerlands man indicted for allegedly driving while drugged and killing South Colonie teen

By WNYT

A Slingerlands man has been indicted for allegedly driving while drugged and causing a crash in Bethlehem that killed a South Colonie teen last May.

Thomas McGrath, 72, pleaded not guilty in Albany County Court on Thursday to the crash that happened on the afternoon of May 11, 2023 on Route 85 near the Albany/Bethehem line. The crash killed Michael Kleinke, who was a senior at South Colonie High School.

McGrath is facing charges of second-degree manslaughter, assault, aggravated vehicular homicide, driving while impaired by the combined influence of drugs, reckless driving and reckless endangerment.

McGrath was released under the supervision of probation and is due back in court on July 2.