Man With Fake Badge Sentenced In Road Rage Stabbing Death

A Hudson Valley man who combined road rage with a fake police badge and a hidden knife was sentenced Wednesday to 14 years in state prison for killing another driver on the Taconic Parkway in Briarcliff Manor. Christian Walczyk of Lagrangeville then lied about the incident in a 911 call.

Members of Siino's family described the impact of the Hartsdale resident's death on them at the sentencing. The victim’s brother, Joseph Siino, and his sister, Melissa Siino, spoke to the court on behalf of Siino’s wife and extended family. Daniel Siino was 28 and his daughter was 15 months old when her father was stabbed.

Melissa Siino told the court that a “piece of us died that night on the cold pavement” along with him. But she said their concern is mostly for the little girl. She told Walczyk, 22, “Your selfish and cruel action denied her her father.”

Upon sentencing, Westchester County Court Judge Barry Warhit called Walczyk’s actions “brazen” and an “ego issue.” He added, “You destroyed a family and took a life.”

Originally charged with first-degree manslaughter and first-degree criminal impersonation, felonies, and fourth-degree criminal possession of a weapon, a misdemeanor, Walczyk pleaded guilty to one count of manslaughter in September. He had faced up to 25 years in prison.

At about 10:25 p.m. May 27, 2017, Daniel “Danny” Siino and his wife were driving southbound on the Taconic State Parkway in their Acura SUV when they encountered Walczyk who was also headed southbound in his BMW sedan.

At some point, Walczyk’s vehicle pulled in front of Siino’s and braked suddenly, forcing Siino to brake hard as well. Siino then tried to pass, but Walczyk did not allow it. After that, both drivers pulled their cars onto the shoulder of the Taconic State Parkway just north of the Briarcliff Manor exit.

Siino got out of his car and walked toward Walczyk’s vehicle. Then Walczyk got out of his car, brandishing a fake police badge while concealing a folding knife behind his back.

When the two were face to face, Walczyk stabbed Siino twice in the chest. In the course of the attack, Walczyk accidentally sliced his own finger on the blade.

Siino returned to his vehicle and told his wife he was stabbed. She helped him into the passenger seat, then drove away and called 911. He died further down the highway where the wife eventually pulled over.

Walczyk drove off and called 911 claiming he had been a victim of a stabbing.

He was located and transported to the hospital where he received treatment for his injury. Walczyk was taken to the New York State Police barracks in Hawthorne where he was placed under arrest.

A Westchester County Grand Jury indicted Walczyk in October 2017.

PHOTO: Christian Walczyk/ Westchester County District Attorney's Office

SEE ALSO

• Plea In Road Rage Fatal Stabbing
  
• Accused Road Rage Killer Of Hartsdale Man Pleads Not Guilty
  
• GoFundMe Account Set Up For Family Of Road-Rage Stabbing
  
• Pleasant Valley 21YO Accused in Fatal Road Rage Incident
  

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