Charges Upgraded for Fatal Hit and Run in Shirley

Fifty-one-year-old Jonathan Shaver faces new charges for the incident that killed one Mastic Beach brother and critically injured another.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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Charges have been upgraded for Jonathan Shaver, the 51-year-old Rocky Point resident accused of a fatal hit-and-run that killed Edgar Mejia, 31, and critically injured his brother Omar, 29, in Shirley in late January. Shaver now faces charges of Leaving the Scene of an Accident Without Reporting a Death, in addition to the previous charges of Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Fatality and Leaving the Scene of an Accident Resulting in Serious Injury.

Why it matters

The upgraded charges reflect the severity of the incident, in which the two Mastic Beach brothers were struck while changing a flat tire on the shoulder of the William Floyd Parkway. The case has sparked outrage in the community over a driver allegedly fleeing the scene, leaving one victim dead and the other fighting for his life.

The details

On the night of January 29, Edgar and Omar Mejia were fixing a flat tire on the shoulder of the William Floyd Parkway in Shirley when they were struck by a dark-colored sedan. Edgar Mejia was pronounced dead at the scene, while his brother Omar was rushed to the hospital with serious injuries and remains in critical condition. Police later arrested Jonathan Shaver, a 51-year-old from Rocky Point, in connection with the incident. The 2012 black Honda Accord he was allegedly driving has been recovered and impounded.

  • On January 29, the hit-and-run incident occurred on the William Floyd Parkway in Shirley.
  • On January 30, Suffolk County Police arrested Jonathan Shaver in connection with the crime.
  • On February 13, charges against Shaver were upgraded at a hearing held at the Arthur M. Cromarty Criminal Court Complex in Riverhead.

The players

Jonathan Shaver

A 51-year-old resident of Rocky Point who was arrested and charged in connection with the fatal hit-and-run incident.

Edgar Mejia

A 31-year-old Mastic Beach resident who was killed in the hit-and-run incident while changing a flat tire with his brother.

Omar Mejia

A 29-year-old Mastic Beach resident who was critically injured in the hit-and-run incident while changing a flat tire with his brother.

Raymond Tierney

The Suffolk County District Attorney who stated that the upgraded charges reflect the need to pursue justice for the victims and their families.

Jackson Dodds & Company, Inc.

The Southampton-based company where Edgar Mejia worked as a senior arborist for 10 years.

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What they’re saying

“The defendant allegedly struck two men who were simply trying to fix a tire on the shoulder of the parkway and fled the scene without stopping to render aid. One victim has died, and the other is fighting for his life. We owe it to them and their families to pursue justice, and this indictment is an important step in that direction.”

— Raymond Tierney, Suffolk County District Attorney (fireislandnews.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Jonathan Shaver out on bail.

The takeaway

This tragic hit-and-run case has shaken the local community and highlighted the need for greater accountability and support for victims and their families when such senseless acts of violence occur. The upgraded charges against the alleged driver underscore the gravity of the situation and the pursuit of justice, but also raise broader questions about road safety, victim assistance, and the challenges of the criminal justice system.