Amber Suprunchik, 38 of Dolgeville, awaited her sentencing in Cortland County Court back in September (2023). Also pictured is Frank Mellace II, Suprunchik's defense attorney. (Photo provided by Kevin L. Smith of The Cortland Voice).
Cortland County Court set deadlines on restitution recommendations for a Dolgeville woman that was convicted and sentenced for her involvement in a fatal hit-and-run this year.
County judge Julie Campbell gave Frank Mellace II, Amber Suprunchik’s defense attorney, a couple of weeks to submit a recommendation. The County District Attorney’s office has until January to submit its recommendation.
Suprunchik, 38, in September was sentenced between 2 ⅓ to seven years in prison for a fatal hit-and-run accident in the town of Cincinnatus on June 15, 2021. She was convicted in June (2023).
Suprunchik’s sentencing in September is as follows:
- Leaving the scene of a fatal and injury accident without reporting – 2 ⅓ to 7 years
- Criminally negligent homicide – 1 ⅓ to 3 years.
- Tampering with physical evidence – 1 ⅓ to 3 years
On the day of the accident, Suprunchik struck two bicyclists with her Jeep Grand Cherokee and fled from the scene on Route 26 in Cincinnatus. One of the bicyclists, Kitt Warren of DeRuyter, was killed.
The other bicyclist, John C. Rutan of McGraw, suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Rutan noted in his court statement in September that he suffered a concussion, a back injury and other injuries. He noted the concussion sustained displacement, which has hampered his memory and reading ability.
Police reports noted Suprunchik tampered with her Jeep after the accident. Parts of her vehicle were left behind at the scene of the accident. Following a lengthy investigation, Suprunchik was officially arrested on Oct. 8, 2021.
Further details surrounding Suprunchik’s case remain to be seen.
